What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
imitate
Example
The child loved to imitate his favorite cartoon character's catchphrase. [imitate: verb]
Example
She can imitate the sound of a trumpet perfectly. [imitate: verb]
Example
The artist decided to imitate the style of the famous painter in her latest work. [imitate: verb]
mimic
Example
The comedian was known for his ability to mimic famous politicians. [mimic: verb]
Example
She can mimic a British accent flawlessly. [mimic: verb]
Example
The bird was able to mimic the sound of a car alarm. [mimic: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Imitate is more commonly used than mimic in everyday language. Imitate is a more general term that can be used in various contexts, while mimic is more specific and often used in the context of comedy or impersonation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between imitate and mimic?
Both imitate and mimic can be used in formal and informal contexts, but imitate is generally considered more formal due to its neutral connotation.
