# imitate

/ˈɪməˌteɪt/ (US) · /ˈɪmɪtˌeɪt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/imitate
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

to copy the way someone speaks, moves, or behaves. You often do this to be funny or to learn a new skill.

For teachers: to copy or mimic the actions, appearance, or speech of another. Often implies a conscious effort to reproduce specific characteristics for entertainment or instruction.

## Examples

- He likes to imitate his favorite movie stars.
- Young children often imitate their parents' behavior as a way of learning how to interact with the world.
- The comedian's ability to imitate the subtle vocal inflections of political leaders made his satire particularly effective and popular with audiences.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He imitated to his teacher" but "He imitated his teacher" — Imitate is a transitive verb and does not take the preposition 'to' before the object.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and requires a direct object.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.