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Mimic: Definition, Examples, and How to Use It (3 meaning)
Meaning 1：copy or imitate (mimic)
mimic
/ˈmɪmɪk/
vt./n./adj.
To copy the way someone talks, moves, or behaves, often to be funny or to learn.
copy or imitate
➕
/ˈkɒpi ɔːr ˈɪmɪteɪt/
vt./n./adj.
To copy someone's speech, movements, or behavior, often for amusement or learning.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin mimicus, from Greek mīmikos, from mimos 'imitator, actor'.
💡 Mnemonic
Mimic: 'Mimi the cat' - a cat that copies your every move.
📖 Example
To improve her English pronunciation, she would carefully mimic the intonation of her favorite podcast host.
To improve her English pronunciation, she would carefully copy the intonation of her favorite podcast host.
🔗 Collocations
mimic someone's voice – copy another person's way of speaking
mimic a gesture – repeat a hand or body movement
mimic an accent – imitate a regional or foreign pronunciation
🔄 Synonyms
imitate (v.) – to follow as a model or pattern
copy (v.) – to reproduce exactly
impersonate (v.) – to pretend to be another person for entertainment
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
The word originates from Greek 'mimos' (imitator actor). In biology, mimicry describes species that evolve to resemble others for survival, a concept introduced by Henry Bates in 1861.
Meaning 2：skilled imitator (mimic)
mimic
/ˈmɪmɪk/
vt./n./adj.
A person or animal that is very good at copying others, especially their speech or actions.
skilled imitator
➕
/skɪld ˈɪmɪteɪtər/
vt./n./adj.
A person or animal that can closely copy the sounds or actions of others.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The parrot in the zoo is a fantastic mimic, perfectly copying the sounds of mobile phone ringtones and human laughter.
The parrot in the zoo is a fantastic imitator, perfectly copying the sounds of mobile phone ringtones and human laughter.
🔗 Collocations
excellent mimic – a very skilled copycat
perfect mimic – an imitator that reproduces sounds exactly
vocal mimic – an animal that imitates sounds with its voice
🔄 Synonyms
imitator (n.) – one who copies another's behavior or speech
copycat (n.) – a person who repeats what others do
impressionist (n.) – a performer who mimics famous people
🚫 Antonyms
Meaning 3：mimetic for disguise (mimic)
mimic
/ˈmɪmɪk/
vt./n./adj.
Describing something that looks very similar to another thing, often for protection, but is not actually that thing.
mimetic for disguise
➕
/maɪˈmetɪk fɔːr dɪsˈɡaɪz/
vt./n./adj.
Describing something that closely resembles another thing, often for camouflage or deception.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Some plants have developed mimic leaves that look like stones to avoid being eaten by animals.
Some plants have developed imitative leaves that look like stones to avoid being eaten by animals.
🔗 Collocations
mimic behavior – actions that copy another species for survival
mimic coloration – coloring that resembles a different organism
mimic pattern – a repeated design that imitates another object
🔄 Synonyms
imitative (adj.) – tending to copy or resemble
deceptive (adj.) – intended to mislead by appearance
camouflaged (adj.) – concealed by blending with surroundings
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
mimicry (n.) – the resemblance of one organism to another for advantage
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