What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mimicry
Example
The comedian's mimicry of the politician's voice was spot-on. [mimicry: noun]
Example
The bird's mimicry of the car alarm was so convincing that it fooled many people. [mimicry: noun]
imitation
Example
The artist's painting was an excellent imitation of the famous masterpiece. [imitation: noun]
Example
The vegan burger was made with imitation meat but tasted surprisingly similar to the real thing. [imitation: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Imitation is more commonly used than mimicry in everyday language. Imitation is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while mimicry is more specialized and often used in specific situations, such as comedy or animal behavior.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mimicry and imitation?
Both mimicry and imitation can be used in formal or informal contexts, but imitation is more versatile and can be employed in a wider range of situations, making it more suitable for formal writing or speech.
