Mimesis: meaning, definitions and examples

Best used in academic or philosophical discussions to describe a way of imitating real life in art and literature.

• The novel is a striking example of mimesis, portraying the struggles of everyday people.

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.

• The imitation leather on this bag looks almost like the real thing.
• His singing was an imitation of the original artist, lacking any personal style.

Used broadly to describe the act of depicting or standing for something, often in contexts such as art, politics, or data.

• The artist's work is a representation of the cultural changes occurring in the city.

Often used in both general and artistic contexts to describe the action or result of representing images or scenes.

• The movie's depiction of the historical event was highly praised for its accuracy.

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.

• The painting was a striking example of mimesis, capturing the essence of a bustling marketplace.
• In literature, mimesis is a tool used to reflect the complexities of human behavior.

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.

• Children often learn by imitation, mimicking the actions of adults.
• Her imitation of the singer was so good that many people thought it was the real person.

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.

• The flight simulation gave the pilot a chance to practice emergency procedures safely.
• Scientists used computer simulations to predict the outcome of the climate model.

Typically used in scientific or technical contexts to describe the exact duplication of an experiment, procedure, or design.

• The researcher achieved consistent results upon replication of the experiment.
• The replication of ancient artifacts helps us understand historical craftsmanship.

Used in artistic or literary contexts to describe the representation or imitation of the real world, especially in art and literature.

• The novel is a perfect example of mimesis, capturing the essence of human nature.
• Aristotle's concept of mimesis explains how art reflects reality.

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.

• Children learn many social behaviors through imitation of adults.
• The sculpture was merely an imitation of the original masterpiece.

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.

• She spent the whole afternoon copying her notes.
• The artist was accused of copying another's work.

Often used in a positive context to describe the effort to match or surpass a person or achievement, typically through imitation driven by admiration.

• He practiced very hard in emulation of his older brother's success.
• His emulation of her leadership style was a testament to her influence.