What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
impersonate
Example
He can impersonate famous actors like no one else. [impersonate: verb]
Example
The comedian's impersonation of the president was spot-on. [impersonation: noun]
imitate
Example
Children often imitate their parents' behaviors and attitudes. [imitate: verb]
Example
The artist's painting imitates the style of the old masters. [imitation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Imitate is more commonly used than impersonate in everyday language. Imitate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while impersonate is less common and often associated with specific entertainment or performance contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between impersonate and imitate?
Both impersonate and imitate can be used in formal and informal contexts, but impersonate may be more associated with informal or comedic situations.
