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

Training involves feeding enormous quantities of data — including social media posts, photos, music, computer code, video and more — to train AI bots to discern patterns of language, images, sound and conversation that they can mimic.

From Los Angeles Times

And I realized that I had a talent for mimicking different styles and different voices.

From Los Angeles Times

The comments came after saltires were used at anti-immigration protests outside hotels used to house people in the asylum system, mimicking displays of St George's flags and union flags on England's streets.

From BBC

The drug works as an appetite suppressant by mimicking a hormone that makes people feel fuller.

From BBC

Finally, Kolding and his wife, who are both marathon runners, wanted a landscape that mimicked the color and fragrance they experienced on their runs in the Laguna Hills and Santa Ana Mountains.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ape 
• look like 
• mirror 
• resemble 
• simulate