Words / B2

IM-it-ayt/ˈɪmɪteɪt/

To imitate is to copy speech, looks, or behaviour: imitate a voice; imitate a method. Copy is everyday; mimic is close and sometimes comic. Do not imitate another candidate’s phrasing. Noun: imitation. Do not use imitate for downloading a file.

Meaning

To copy the way someone speaks, looks, or behaves.

Examples

• “Do not imitate another candidate’s phrasing; that is malpractice.”
• “The chick imitated the parent call, which is the biology sense.”

Good to know

imitate + noun / a person. Everyday: copy. Close: mimic. Noun: imitation. Malpractice and biology. Copying manner, not “save as”.

Near in meaning

copy

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