What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
impersonating
Example
He is good at impersonating famous celebrities like Elvis Presley. [impersonating: verb]
Example
The actor did a great job impersonating the president in the movie. [impersonating: gerund or present participle]
parody
Example
The parody of the popular song had everyone laughing. [parody: noun]
Example
The comedian parodied the politician's speech in his stand-up routine. [parodied: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Parody is more commonly used than impersonating in everyday language. Parody is a popular form of humor and satire, and can be found in various mediums such as movies, TV shows, and music videos. Impersonating, on the other hand, is less common and is typically associated with live performances or impersonations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between impersonating and parody?
Both impersonating and parody can be used in informal contexts, but impersonating can also be used in more formal settings such as legal or investigative situations where impersonation is illegal or unethical.