imitative

[ im-i-tey-tiv ]

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.

imitative

/ 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

Derived Forms

• ˈimitativeness, noun
• ˈimitatively, adverb

Other Words From

• imi·tative·ly adverb
• imi·tative·ness noun
• non·imi·tative adjective
• non·imi·tative·ly adverb
• non·imi·tative·ness noun
• over·imi·tative adjective
• over·imi·tative·ly adverb
• over·imi·tative·ness noun
• pre·imi·tative adjective
• un·imi·tative adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of imitative¹

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

Example Sentences

As everyone knows, Donald Trump admires Vladimir Putin, and so a large portion of the Republican Party admires Putin in an imitative and slavish manner.

From Salon

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

While the company has long had policies against content that promotes eating disorders, the new rules focus on limiting content that is “imitative.”

From Washington Times