B1verbartspsychology
US/ˈɪm.ə.teɪt/
UK/ˈɪm.ɪ.teɪt/
to copy the way someone speaks, acts or looks, or to copy something
In context
Children often imitate the way their parents speak.
The comedian can imitate almost any famous politician.
Some plastics are made to imitate natural wood.
Words that go with imitate
verb + noun
- imitate an accentCan you imitate an American accent?
- imitate behaviorYoung animals imitate the behavior of adults.
- imitate natureMany modern designs imitate nature to save energy.
adverb + verb
- closely imitateA good copy will closely imitate the original.
verb + preposition
- try to imitateMany brands try to imitate their rivals.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
imitate toCorrect: imitate