imitate Meaning, Definition & Usage

verb reproduce someone's behavior or looks
copy; simulate.
- The mime imitated the passers-by
- Children often copy their parents or older siblings
verb appear like, as in behavior or appearance
- Life imitate art
verb make a reproduction or copy of

L. imitatus, p. p. of imitari to imitate; of unknown origin. Cf. Image.

imperfect & past participle Imitated ; present participle & verbal noun Imitating

To follow as a pattern, model, or example; to copy or strive to copy, in acts, manners etc.
Despise wealth and imitate a dog. Cowlay.
To produce a semblance or likeness of, in form, character, color, qualities, conduct, manners, and the like; to counterfeit; to copy.
A place picked out by choice of best alive The Nature's work by art can imitate. Spenser.

This hand appeared a shining sword to weild, And that sustained an imitated shield. Dryden.
(Biol.) 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.