imitation
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the act of copying the way someone speaks, moves, or behaves.
n.the act of mimicking or replicating the behaviour, speech, or appearance of another person.
Simple“The comedian did a perfect imitation of the president's voice.”
In context“Children learn social cues through the constant imitation of their parents and peers during early developmental stages.”
UsageOften used with the preposition 'of'.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a thing that is made to look like something else, usually a cheaper version.
n.a counterfeit or simulated object designed to resemble an original, often using less expensive materials.
Simple“It looks like a real diamond, but it is actually just a clever imitation.”
In context“The museum warned collectors that several high-quality imitations of the Ming vase were circulating in the private market.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.made to look like something else, especially a natural material.
adj.functioning as an attributive modifier to describe a material that simulates a more expensive or natural substance.
Simple“She prefers to wear imitation leather because she does not use animal products.”
In context“The set designer used imitation marble for the pillars to keep the production costs within the strict theatrical budget.”
UsageAlways placed before the noun it modifies.
From Middle English imitacioun, from Middle French imitacion, from Old French imitacion, from Latin imitatio.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.