Words / B2

MIM-ik/ˈmɪmɪk/

To mimic is to copy a voice, behaviour, or process: mimic an accent; mimic a reaction. Imitate is the close twin; copy is everyday. Do not mimic the examiner’s accent. Noun: a mimic. Mix-up: mime is silent acting; mini is small. Do not write mimic for “take notes from”.

Meaning

To copy someone’s voice, behaviour, or a process.

Examples

• “Do not mimic the examiner’s accent in the oral; answer the question.”
• “The model mimics coastal erosion, which is the process-copy sense.”

Good to know

mimic + person / process; a mimic. Close: imitate. Trap: mime / mini. Orals, biology, and geography models. Copy, not stay silent or shrink.

Near in meaning

imitate

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