Definitions for imitate
ˈɪm ɪˌteɪtim·i·tate

Princeton's WordNetRate this definition:5.0 / 1 vote

1. imitate, copy, simulateverb

   reproduce someone's behavior or looks

   "The mime imitated the passers-by"; "Children often copy their parents or older siblings"

2. imitateverb

   appear like, as in behavior or appearance

   "Life imitate art"

3. imitateverb

   make a reproduction or copy of

WiktionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. imitateverb

   To follow as a model or a pattern; to make a copy, counterpart or semblance of.

2. imitateverb

   To copy.

3. Etymology: From imitatus, past participle of imitari, from a deponent frequentive root *, whence also imago, see image.

Samuel Johnson's DictionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. To Imitateverb

   Etymology: imitor, Latin; imiter, French.

   1. To copy; to endeavour to resemble.

   We imitate and practise to make swifter motions than any out of your muskets. Francis Bacon.

   Despise wealth, and imitate a god. Abraham Cowley.

   I would caress some stableman of note,
   And imitate his language and his coat. Man of Taste.

   2. To counterfeit.

   This hand appear'd a shining sword to wield,
   And that sustain'd an imitated shield. John Dryden, Æn.

   3. To pursue the course of a composition, so as to use parallel images and examples.

   For shame! what, imitate an ode! John Gay.

Webster DictionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Imitateverb

   to follow as a pattern, model, or example; to copy or strive to copy, in acts, manners etc

2. Imitateverb

   to produce a semblance or likeness of, in form, character, color, qualities, conduct, manners, and the like; to counterfeit; to copy

3. Imitateverb

   to resemble (another species of animal, or a plant, or inanimate object) in form, color, ornamentation, or instinctive habits, so as to derive an advantage thereby; sa, when a harmless snake imitates a venomous one in color and manner, or when an odorless insect imitates, in color, one having secretion offensive to birds

4. Etymology: [L. imitatus, p. p. of imitari to imitate; of unknown origin. Cf. Image.]

Chambers 20th Century DictionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Imitate

   im′i-tāt, v.t. to copy, to strive to be the same as: to produce a likeness of.—n. Imitabil′ity.—adj. Im′itable, that may be imitated or copied: worthy of imitation.—n. Im′itancy, the tendency to imitate.—adj. Im′itant.—n. Imitā′tion, act of imitating: that which is produced as a copy, a likeness: (mus.) the repeating of the same passage, or the following of a passage with a similar one in one or more of the other parts or voices.—adj. Im′itātive, inclined to imitate: formed after a model.—adv. Im′itātively.—ns. Im′itātiveness, the quality of being imitative; Im′itātor, one who imitates or copies. [L. imitāri, imitātus, ety. unknown.]

Matched Categories

1. • Copy
   • Resemble

How to pronounce imitate?

1. Alex

   US English

   David

   US English

   Mark

   US English

   Daniel

   British

   Libby

   British

   Mia

   British

   Karen

   Australian

   Hayley

   Australian

   Natasha

   Australian

   Veena

   Indian

   Priya

   Indian

   Neerja

   Indian

   Zira

   US English

   Oliver

   British

   Wendy

   British

   Fred

   US English

   Tessa

   South African

How to say imitate in sign language?

Numerology

1. Chaldean Numerology

   The numerical value of imitate in Chaldean Numerology is: 2

2. Pythagorean Numerology

   The numerical value of imitate in Pythagorean Numerology is: 5

Examples of imitate in a Sentence

1. Juvenal:

   Refrain from doing ill; for one all powerful reason, lest our children should copy our misdeeds; we are all too prone to imitate whatever is base and depraved.

2. William Shakespeare:

   Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more, Or close the wall up with our English dead In peace there's nothing so becomes a man As modest stillness and humility But when the blast of war blows in our ears, Then imitate the action of the tiger Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood.

3. Juvenal:

   We are too quick to imitate depraved examples.

4. John Ruskin:

   In every person who comes near you look for what is good and strong honor that try to imitate it, and your faults will drop off like dead leaves when their time comes.

5. Louis XIV of France:

   Do not follow the bad example which I have set you; I have often undertaken war too lightly and have sustained it for vanity. Do not imitate me, but be a peaceful prince, and may you apply yourself principally to the alleviation of the burdens of your subjects

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