imitative

American  

[im-i-tey-tiv] / ˈɪm ɪˌteɪ tɪv /

adjective

1. imitating; copying; given to imitation.

2. of, relating to, or characterized by imitation.

3. Biology. mimetic.

4. made in imitation of something; counterfeit.

5. onomatopoeic.

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imitative British  

/ ˈɪmɪtətɪv /

adjective

1. imitating or tending to imitate or copy

2. characterized by imitation

3. copying or reproducing the features of an original, esp in an inferior manner

   imitative painting

4. another word for onomatopoeic

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Other Word Forms

• imitatively adverb
• imitativeness noun
• nonimitative adjective
• nonimitatively adverb
• nonimitativeness noun
• overimitative adjective
• overimitatively adverb
• overimitativeness noun
• preimitative adjective
• unimitative adjective

Etymology

Origin of imitative

From the Late Latin word imitātīvus, dating back to 1575–85. See imitate, -ive

Example Sentences

Aristotle understood that human beings are an imitative animal.

From Los Angeles Times

“I didn’t want to do a movie that was imitative of something else.”

From Los Angeles Times

Mulligan is so good here that she lays bare some of her co-star’s more studied artifice, including a few overly imitative Bernstein-isms and some affectedly nasal vocal delivery.

From Los Angeles Times

The research also details potential breakthroughs in specific areas, including pump-jet propulsion and internal quieting devices, based on "imitative innovation" of Russian technology.

From Reuters

The series arrives as the culture is much disturbed by the question of artificial intelligence — of ChatGPT and various art programs and whether their products are imitative or creative.

From Los Angeles Times