mimic

[ mim-ik ]

verb (used with object)

, mim·icked, mim·ick·ing.

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

Derived Forms

• ˈmimicker, noun

Other Words From

• mimick·er noun
• un·mimicked 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

They could thereby assemble the chlorophyll molecules into two different forms, namely columnar stacks and discrete aggregates, mimicking the circular and tubular arrangements seen in photosynthetic bacteria.

From Science Daily

The research team applied this principle to the new pressure release valve: a flexible membrane mimics the opening movement of the plant trap and reacts to critical pressure increases in the speaking valve.

From Science Daily

The Aztec death whistle seems to acoustically and affectively mimic other deterring sounds.

From Science Daily

"You mimic your mum who used it," she said.

From BBC

To keep the tissue alive long enough to complete the study, which took several weeks, the researchers created an environment that mimics conditions inside the skull.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• mime