imitative Meaning, Definition & Usage

adjective marked by or given to imitation
- acting is an imitative art
- man is an imitative being
adjective (of words) formed in imitation of a natural sound
onomatopoeical; echoic; onomatopoetic; onomatopoeic.
- onomatopoeic words are imitative of noises
- it was independently developed in more than one place as an onomatopoetic term"- Harry Hoijer
adjective not genuine; imitating something superior
counterfeit.
- counterfeit emotion
- counterfeit money
- counterfeit works of art
- a counterfeit prince

L. imitavitus: cf. F. imitatif.

Inclined to imitate, copy, or follow; imitating; exhibiting some of the qualities or characteristics of a pattern or model; dependent on example; not original; as, man is an imitative being; painting is an imitative art.
Formed after a model, pattern, or original.
This temple, less in form, with equal grace, Was imitative of the first in Thrace. Dryden.
(Nat. Hist.) Designed to imitate another species of animal, or a plant, or inanimate object, for some useful purpose, such as protection from enemies; having resamblance to something else; as, imitative colors; imitative habits; dendritic and mammillary forms of minerals are imitative. -- Im"i*ta*tive*ly, adv. -- Im"i*ta*tive*ness, n.