Word
imitation
Phoneticsim·i·ta·tion, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌɪməˈteɪʃən/
UK/ˌɪmɪtˈeɪʃən/
Definitions
01the act of copying
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
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.
“The comedian did a perfect imitation of the president's voice.”
“Children learn social cues through the constant imitation of their parents and peers during early developmental stages.”
Usage
Often used with the preposition 'of'.
02a copy
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
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.
Español:imitación
“It looks like a real diamond, but it is actually just a clever imitation.”
“The museum warned collectors that several high-quality imitations of the Ming vase were circulating in the private market.”
Synonyms
03not real
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.
“She prefers to wear imitation leather because she does not use animal products.”
“The set designer used imitation marble for the pillars to keep the production costs within the strict theatrical budget.”
Usage
Always placed before the noun it modifies.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“Fashion has always involved borrowing, imitation and reinterpretation.” “When we understand from first principles, we can make progress more quickly than by trial and error and imitation.” Etymology
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.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
The word in film
Poster: Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
Imitation of Life · 1959 · Romance
- Directed by:
- Douglas Sirk
- Starring:
- Lana Turner, Mahalia Jackson, Sandra Dee
Douglas Sirk directs this melodrama following the intertwined lives of an ambitious white actress and her devoted Black housekeeper whose light-skinned daughter attempts to pass as white. The title critiques the artificial personas and emotional facades people adopt, living a counterfeit copy instead of an authentic life.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/imitation
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0