imitative

American  

[im-i-tey-tiv] / ˈɪm ɪˌteɪ tɪv /

adjective

1. imitating; copying; given to imitation.

2. of, relating to, or characterized by imitation.

3. Biology. mimetic.

4. made in imitation of something; counterfeit.

5. onomatopoeic.

---

imitative British  

/ ˈɪmɪtətɪv /

adjective

1. imitating or tending to imitate or copy

2. characterized by imitation

3. copying or reproducing the features of an original, esp in an inferior manner

   imitative painting

4. another word for onomatopoeic

---

Other Word Forms

• imitatively adverb
• imitativeness noun
• nonimitative adjective
• nonimitatively adverb
• nonimitativeness noun
• overimitative adjective
• overimitatively adverb
• overimitativeness noun
• preimitative adjective
• unimitative adjective

Etymology

Origin of imitative

From the Late Latin word imitātīvus, dating back to 1575–85. See imitate, -ive

Example Sentences

That was great advice because it was a book that I’d written very much out of imitative aspiration, imitating Joyce and Hemingway.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 26, 2026

Aristotle understood that human beings are an imitative animal.

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2025

The research also details potential breakthroughs in specific areas, including pump-jet propulsion and internal quieting devices, based on "imitative innovation" of Russian technology.

From Reuters • Oct. 9, 2023

If so, getting your avatar dressed in the morning may feel less like playing paper dolls, and more like a unique form of value-signaling and experimentation; may seem additive, rather than just imitative.

From New York Times • Jun. 22, 2022

Too eager, too anxious—an imitative and unoriginal pupil.

From "Hunger of Memory" by Richard Rodriguez