mimic

American  

[mim-ik] / ˈmɪm ɪk /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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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

Etymology

Origin of mimic

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

Example Sentences

The strategy is difficult to pull off, which explains why so few rivals have successfully mimicked it.

From The Wall Street Journal

"The problem is the symptoms mimic other viruses, so it's easy to think that they have something else, just a cold or being run down."

From BBC

But while all three dreamlike films expertly mimic the imperfect act of remembering, Schilinski’s makes the past seem irretrievable — a ghost whose presence we can feel but not touch.

From Los Angeles Times

Elsewhere on Tuesday, Jaden Smith -- son of US rapper-actor Will Smith -- presented his debut collection for Christian Louboutin while wearing thick red make-up, mimicking the red soles of the brand's shoes.

From Barron's

A lot of mistakes come from mimicking advice that fits someone else’s values rather than your own.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• ape
• look like
• mirror
• resemble
• simulate