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Impersonation Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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impersonation

[ษชmหŒpษœหrsษ™หˆneษชสƒษ™n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in social media

The act of pretending to be someone else online, usually for deceptive purposes. This may involve creating fake profiles or using someone else's identity without their consent.

Synonyms

impersonating, mimicry, posing as someone else.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
impersonation

Typically used when someone is pretending to be another person, often for entertainment, deception, or artistic purposes.

  • Her impersonation of the president was spot on.
  • The comedian's impersonation of famous celebrities made everyone laugh.
mimicry

Refers to the action of imitating someoneโ€™s behaviors, voice, or actions, often for comedic or training purposes and not necessarily to deceive.

  • The child's mimicry of his father's gestures was amusing to watch.
  • Actors often practice mimicry to better portray their characters.
impersonating

Used to describe the act of pretending to be someone else, often directly in the moment and can have negative connotations when referring to illegal or deceitful acts.

  • He was caught impersonating a police officer.
  • Impersonating someone else on social media can lead to serious consequences.
posing as someone else

Often used to indicate deceitful or fraudulent behavior, where someone takes on another's identity for personal gain or to deceive others.

  • He was arrested for posing as a financial advisor and scamming people.
  • She was posing as someone else to get into the exclusive party.

Examples of usage

  • The scammer was caught engaging in impersonation on social media platforms.
  • Impersonation can lead to serious consequences, such as identity theft.
Context #2 | Noun

in acting

The act of imitating the voice, mannerisms, or appearance of another person as a form of performance or entertainment. It is commonly seen in comedy or theatrical performances.

Synonyms

imitation, performance, portrayal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
impersonation

When you pretend to be another person, usually for entertainment or to deceive.

  • He was arrested for impersonation of a police officer
  • Her impersonation of the president at the comedy show was spot-on
imitation

When you try to make or do something that looks, sounds, or behaves like something else; can refer to copying actions, styles, or products.

  • Her singing was an imitation of the original artist
  • The handbag is an imitation, not the real designer brand
portrayal

When someone describes or shows a character or event in a certain way, often used in art, drama, or literature.

  • His portrayal of Hamlet was very different from the traditional interpretation
  • The movie's portrayal of historical events was criticized for inaccuracies
performance

When someone acts, sings, plays an instrument, or does some artistic or skilled action to entertain an audience.

  • Her performance in the play was outstanding
  • The band's performance captivated the entire crowd

Examples of usage

  • His impersonation of the famous actor was so accurate that the audience burst into laughter.
  • Impersonation requires a skilled actor to capture the essence of the character being portrayed.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Entertainment

  • Impersonation is a staple in comedy, with performers like Robin Williams and Eddie Murphy known for their imitations of famous personalities.
  • In theatre, actors often impersonate historical figures to bring stories to life, allowing audiences to connect with the past in a playful way.
  • Reality shows sometimes feature impersonation challenges, where contestants mimic celebrities to win votes and gain popularity.

Psychology

  • People often use impersonation as a way to explore different aspects of their identity, which can boost confidence and creativity.
  • Studies show that humor derived from impersonation can strengthen social bonds, allowing people to relate through laughter.
  • Impersonating someone can also be therapeutic, helping individuals to understand and express their emotions in new ways.

Law

  • Impersonation can lead to legal issues; for example, identity theft involves falsely adopting someone else's persona for illicit gains.
  • In many jurisdictions, impersonating a public figure can have legal consequences, especially if it incites defamation.
  • The law distinguishes between harmless impersonation in entertainment and malicious impersonation intended to harm or deceive.

Cultural Significance

  • Different cultures have unique traditions of impersonation during festivals; for instance, Carnival in Brazil features masked performers imitating various figures.
  • In Asian traditions, such as 'Noh' theatre in Japan, actors wear intricate masks to impersonate characters rich in cultural significance and mythology.
  • Impersonation has evolved into a form of art; ventriloquists not only mimic voices but also create narratives that resonate with audiences.

Origin of 'impersonation'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'impersonare', meaning 'to make a person', reflecting how one adopts another persona.
  • It combines 'in-' meaning 'in' or 'into' with 'persona' which refers to a character or mask worn in plays.
  • The term first appeared in the English language in the late 19th century, linking it to theatrical performances.

The word 'impersonation' has its roots in the Latin word 'impersonare', which means 'to represent or act a part'. The term has been used since the late 18th century to denote the act of imitating another person for various purposes. Over the years, impersonation has evolved to encompass both deceptive online practices and theatrical performances, showcasing the versatility of this word in different contexts.

See also: depersonalization, depersonalize, depersonalizing, impersonate, impersonator, nonperson, people, personable, personage, personages, personal, personalities, personality, personalizer, personally, personification, personified, personify, personifying, personnel, persons.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,802, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.