Mimesis Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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mimesis
[mษชหmiหsษชs ]
Definitions
art
The imitation or representation of aspects of the sensible world, especially human actions, in literature and art.
Synonyms
depiction, imitation, representation.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
mimesis |
Best used in academic or philosophical discussions to describe a way of imitating real life in art and literature.
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imitation |
Commonly used in everyday language to describe something that is made to look like or act like something else, sometimes with a negative connotation if it implies a lack of originality.
|
representation |
Used broadly to describe the act of depicting or standing for something, often in contexts such as art, politics, or data.
|
depiction |
Often used in both general and artistic contexts to describe the action or result of representing images or scenes.
|
Examples of usage
- Mimesis was a key concept in ancient Greek art and literature.
- His novel employed mimesis to depict the struggles of everyday life.
philosophy
The imitation of the natural processes or systems.
Synonyms
imitation, replication, simulation.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
mimesis |
This term is often used in literature or art to describe the mimicry of reality in creative works. It has a more sophisticated and academic connotation.
|
imitation |
Best used in everyday language to describe copying or following something as a model. It can imply both positive and negative connotations, depending on the context.
|
simulation |
Often used in the context of technology, virtual environments, or situations where a model is created to study or experience something without the real-world consequences.
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replication |
Typically used in scientific or technical contexts to describe the exact duplication of an experiment, procedure, or design.
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Examples of usage
- The philosopher discussed the concept of mimesis in relation to nature.
- This theory of mimesis explores how art imitates the natural world.
psychology
The unconscious imitation of gestures and expressions of others.
Synonyms
copying, emulation, imitation.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
mimesis |
Used in artistic or literary contexts to describe the representation or imitation of the real world, especially in art and literature.
|
imitation |
Used to describe the act of mimicking or duplicating something. Can be neutral or have a negative connotation if it implies artificiality or lack of originality.
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copying |
Commonly used in everyday language to describe the act of making a similar or identical version of something. Can be neutral or have a negative connotation if it implies lack of originality.
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emulation |
Often used in a positive context to describe the effort to match or surpass a person or achievement, typically through imitation driven by admiration.
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Examples of usage
- His mimesis of his favorite actor's mannerisms was uncanny.
- The child's mimesis of her mother's behavior was observed by psychologists.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Philosophy
- Mimesis plays a crucial role in Plato's theory of forms, where he viewed art as an imitation of the ideal forms of objects.
- Aristotle, however, believed that imitation in art was a natural human behavior, essential for learning and expression.
- In literary theory, the effectiveness of storytelling often relies on the mimicry of real-life emotions and situations.
Literature
- Many classic works of literature, such as Shakespeareโs plays, utilize mimesis to reflect society and human nature.
- In postmodern literature, this idea is explored to challenge the boundaries between reality and fiction.
- The concept influences various genres, from realism, which seeks to depict life as it is, to magical realism, where reality blends with magical elements.
Art
- Throughout art history, mimesis has been a foundational concept, especially in genres like realism and naturalism.
- Artists such as Caravaggio and Vermeer are noted for their ability to mimic light and shadow to create lifelike representations.
- In contemporary art, mimesis can be subverted, questioning the relationships between art and reality.
Psychology
- Imitative behavior is a key aspect of human development; children learn by mimicking adults around them.
- Studies in social psychology reveal that people often unconsciously imitate the actions and emotions of those they interact with.
- Understanding mimesis can enhance our insights into empathy, as it reflects how we connect with othersโ experiences.
Origin of 'mimesis'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'mimesis' comes from the ancient Greek word 'mฤซmฤsis', meaning 'imitation' or 'representation'.
- In Greek, the root 'mฤซmฤ' means 'to imitate', which ties back to the term's focus on copying and replicating.
- The concept has roots in Aristotleโs writings, where he discusses how art imitates life.
The term 'mimesis' originated in ancient Greek philosophy, particularly in the work of Plato and Aristotle. It has been a fundamental concept in aesthetics, literature, and art for centuries, exploring the relationship between representation and reality. The idea of mimesis has evolved over time, influencing various fields such as psychology, sociology, and cultural studies.
Word Frequency Rank
At rank #27,075, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.
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- 27072 bolstering
- 27073 humanitarianism
- 27074 fatalistic
- 27075 mimesis
- 27076 appetizing
- 27077 coffer
- 27078 onyx
- ...