What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mimetic
Example
The artist's work was praised for its mimetic representation of nature. [mimetic: adjective]
Example
The butterfly's wings have a mimetic pattern that resembles the eyes of a larger animal, deterring predators. [mimetic: adjective]
mimicking
Example
The child was mimicking her teacher's accent and mannerisms. [mimicking: verb]
Example
The comedian's impression of the president had the audience in stitches. [mimicking: noun]
Example
The monkey was mimicking the movements of the human visitors at the zoo. [mimicking: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mimicking is more commonly used than mimetic in everyday language. Mimicking is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while mimetic is less common and refers to a specific quality or characteristic.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mimetic and mimicking?
While mimetic is typically associated with a formal or academic tone, mimicking is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
