What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mock
Example
He mocked her accent, which made her feel embarrassed. [mock: verb]
Example
The comedian's routine involved mocking politicians and celebrities. [mocking: gerund or present participle]
mimic
Example
The parrot mimicked the owner's voice perfectly. [mimic: verb]
Example
She was able to mimic the dance moves of her favorite pop star. [mimicking: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mimic is more commonly used than mock in everyday language. Mimic is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while mock is less common and has a more negative connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mock and mimic?
Both mock and mimic can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but mock is generally considered less formal due to its negative connotation.