imitation

/ˈɪməˌteɪʃən/

/ɪmɪˈteɪʃən/

Other forms: imitations

Imitation means copying the words, facial expressions, or actions of another person. Sometimes imitation is flattering, but often it's just annoying — like when your little brother does it to drive you crazy.

Use the adjective imitation to describe an object that pretends to be something else. Imitation paintings can be so real looking that it's hard to tell the fake from the genuine article. Some imitations have hung unnoticed on museum walls for years, only being exposed through the use of modern technology. A common proverb is "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery," although museum directors and people with obnoxious little brothers would probably disagree.

Definitions of imitation

1. noun

   copying (or trying to copy) the actions of someone else
   types:

   echo

   an imitation or repetition

   emulation

   effort to equal or surpass another

   mimicry

   the resemblance of an animal species to another species or to natural objects; provides concealment and protection from predators

   type of:

   copying

   an act of copying
2. noun

   something copied or derived from an original
   types:

   fake, postiche, sham

   something that is a counterfeit; not what it seems to be

   counterfeit, forgery

   a copy that is represented as the original

   travesty

   a distorted, debased, or absurd imitation of something

   fake book

   a fake in the form of an imitation book; used to fill bookcases of people who wish to appear scholarly

   Potemkin village

   something that seems impressive but in fact lacks substance

   type of:

   copy

   a thing made to be similar or identical to another thing
3. noun

   a representation of a person that is exaggerated for comic effect
   synonyms: caricature, impersonation

   types:

   mock-heroic

   a satirical imitation of heroic verse

   burlesque, charade, lampoon, mockery, parody, pasquinade, put-on, sendup, spoof, takeoff, travesty

   a composition that imitates or misrepresents somebody's style, usually in a humorous way

   type of:

   humor, humour, wit, witticism, wittiness

   a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter
4. noun

   the doctrine that representations of nature or human behavior should be accurate imitations
   antonyms:

   formalism

   the doctrine that formal structure rather than content is what should be represented

   types:

   mimesis

   the imitative representation of nature and human behavior in art and literature

   type of:

   doctrine, ism, philosophical system, philosophy, school of thought

   a belief (or system of beliefs) accepted as authoritative by some group or school
5. adjective

   not genuine or real; being an imitation of the genuine article
   “decorated with imitation palm leaves”

   synonyms: fake, false, faux, simulated

   artificial, unreal

   contrived by art rather than nature