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

As for the jewelry, Kenneth Jay Lane custom-built two necklaces to mimic Holly’s jewels, which had to be hand-sewn by Lawson’s tailor Sarah Moore pearl by pearl to anchor it to the dress.

From Los Angeles Times

So if I mimic it, I can be funny, too.’

From Slate

And for people whose work schedules or lifestyles make it challenging to spend time in the sun, indoor light therapy lamps that mimic natural light have been shown to combat seasonal affective disorder.

From Los Angeles Times

That quantity of soil is enough to cover three-quarters of an American football field in about 2.5 feet of soil, he said, but on the crossing, the “ground” will be higher in some places than others, contoured to mimic the dips and dents one might find on nearby hills.

From Los Angeles Times

If all this sounds a little fiddly, well, just understand that it’s tough to mimic Mother Nature.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• mime