imitate Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb reproduce someone's behavior or looks
    copy; simulate.
    • The mime imitated the passers-by
    • Children often copy their parents or older siblings
  2. verb appear like, as in behavior or appearance
    • Life imitate art
  3. verb make a reproduction or copy of

WordNet

Im"i*tate transitive verb
Etymology
L. imitatus, p. p. of imitari to imitate; of unknown origin. Cf. Image.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Imitated ; present participle & verbal noun Imitating
Definitions
  1. To follow as a pattern, model, or example; to copy or strive to copy, in acts, manners etc.
    Despise wealth and imitate a dog. Cowlay.
  2. To produce a semblance or likeness of, in form, character, color, qualities, conduct, manners, and the like; to counterfeit; to copy.
    A place picked out by choice of best alive The Nature's work by art can imitate. Spenser.
    This hand appeared a shining sword to weild, And that sustained an imitated shield. Dryden.
  3. (Biol.) To resemble (another species of animal, or a plant, or inanimate object) in form, color, ornamentation, or instinctive habits, so as to derive an advantage thereby; sa, when a harmless snake imitates a venomous one in color and manner, or when an odorless insect imitates, in color, one having secretion offensive to birds.

Webster 1913