What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mimesis
Example
The artist's work was praised for its mimesis of nature. [mimesis: noun]
Example
The play used mimesis to recreate historical events on stage. [mimesis: verb]
imitation
Example
The singer's performance was criticized for its imitation of another artist's style. [imitation: noun]
Example
The child learned to speak by imitation, repeating words and phrases they heard. [imitation: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Imitation is more commonly used than mimesis in everyday language. Imitation is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while mimesis is less common and has a more specific usage in academic or artistic settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mimesis and imitation?
Mimesis is often associated with a more formal or academic tone, while imitation can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
