mimic

[mim-ik]

verb (used with object)

mimicked, mimicking 

1. to imitate or copy in action, speech, etc., often playfully or derisively.

   Synonyms: counterfeit, simulate, impersonate, mock, follow

2. to imitate in a servile or unthinking way; ape.

3. to be an imitation of; simulate; resemble closely.

noun

1. a person who mimics, especially a performer skilled in mimicking others.

2. a copy or imitation of something.

3. a performer in a mime.

adjective

1. imitating or copying something, often on a smaller scale.

   a mimic battle.

   Synonyms: mock

2. apt at or given to imitating; imitative; simulative.

mimic

/ ˈmɪmɪk /

verb

1. to imitate (a person, a manner, etc), esp for satirical effect; ape

   known mainly for his ability to mimic other singers

2. to take on the appearance of; resemble closely

   certain flies mimic wasps

3. to copy closely or in a servile manner

noun

1. a person or an animal, such as a parrot, that is clever at mimicking

2. an animal that displays mimicry

adjective

1. of, relating to, or using mimicry; imitative

2. simulated, make-believe, or mock

Other Word Forms

• mimicker noun
• unmimicked adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mimic¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from Latin mīmicus, from Greek mīmikós; equivalent to mime + -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of mimic¹

C16: from Latin mīmicus, from Greek mimikos, from mimos _mime

Example Sentences

The company aims to invest heavily to mimic that success at the Telegraph.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The conversations evolved with the chatbot mimicking a confidant and giving emotional support, according to the Social Media Victims Law Center and the Tech Justice Law Project, which filed the suits.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

For decades, most studies on bone marrow have relied on animal research or simplified cell systems that cannot fully mimic the human environment.

Read more on Science Daily

For kids who cope by masking, constantly deciphering and mimicking social responses is often cognitively and emotionally exhausting.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But constantly deciphering and mimicking social responses is cognitively and emotionally exhausting.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ape 
• look like 
• mirror 
• resemble 
• simulate