Vocabulary in context
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Imitation
The act or result of copying someone or something; a thing that imitates or resembles another.
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Imagine This
Imagine an artist creating a flawless copy of a famous painting, so precise that viewers mistake it for the original—until they notice the signature is unfamiliar.
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Sounds Like
ih-MI-tay-shun
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Looks Like
Resembles the verb imitate; visually suggests a copy or replica.
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Remember This
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery; also note the difference between imitation (copy) and originality (new creation).
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Other Forms
imitatornoun
imitativeadjective
imitateverb
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Connect With
copy, replica, mimicry, simulation, emulation, authenticity, originality
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Note
Imitation emphasizes copying rather than originality. In everyday use, 'imitation' often implies a lower-quality or non-authentic replica (as in imitation leather). Distinguish from 'real' or 'authentic' objects when precision matters.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- The painting was a faithful imitation of a Van Gogh, sold as a study in brushwork rather than as an original.
- The bag was made of imitation leather but looked almost indistinguishable from genuine leather.
Synonyms
copyreplicafacsimilesimulationmimicryemulation
Antonyms
originalityauthenticitygenuineness
Etymology
From Latin imitātiō, from imitārī 'to imitate'.
Mnemonic
Mnemonic: imitate + -tion = imitation; the word literally signals the act of copying rather than creating something original.
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Ally
nounA person or group that cooperates with or supports another; a partner in a shared effort. The verb form 'to ally' means to join with another for mutual benefit.
Scrutinize
verbTo examine closely; to investigate thoroughly.
Enlighten
verbTo give someone greater knowledge, understanding, or insight about a subject; to illuminate or clarify.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abasement
nounThe act or instance of humiliating or degrading someone; the state of being lowered in dignity or status.
Absurdity
nounThe quality or state of being wildly unreasonable, illogical, or ridiculous; something that is completely contrary to reason or common sense.
Accent
nounA distinctive way of pronouncing words; the act of emphasizing a syllable or word (as a verb, to accent means to emphasize).
Accolade
nounAn honor; a public expression of praise or an award.
Acrimony
nounBitterness of speech or manner; ill feeling
Acronym
nounA word formed from the initial letters of a phrase, pronounced as a single word and used as a shorthand for the full name (for example, NASA or radar).
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