What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
impersonation
Example
His impersonation of the famous actor was spot on. [impersonation: noun]
Example
She is known for her talent in impersonating various celebrities. [impersonating: verb]
imitation
Example
The painting was an imitation of a famous artist's work. [imitation: noun]
Example
He tried to imitate his favorite basketball player's moves on the court. [imitate: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Imitation is more commonly used than impersonation in everyday language. Imitation is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while impersonation is more specific and often associated with entertainment or deception.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between impersonation and imitation?
Both impersonation and imitation can be used in formal and informal contexts, but impersonation may be more associated with entertainment and therefore less formal.
