WordGarden.ioimitative
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˈɪmɪtˌeɪtɪv/
US
- /ˈɪməˌteɪtɪv/
Meanings
Adjective
copying or based on copying someone or something
of a word or sound, resembling the thing it refers to
Beyond the definition
If a child imitates their parents' behavior, like how they talk or what they do, they are copying them. Being imitative means tending to copy others, whether in style, actions, or speech. A skilled performer can be highly imitative, able to mimic the voices and habits of famous people. Sometimes, being too imitative can mean lacking originality, like a painting that is just a copy of another artist's work.
The word suggests more than just accidental resemblance; it implies an active effort to copy something else. Think of a mockingbird, known for its imitative songs: it copies the calls of other birds. You might also say a new band is imitative if its music sounds too much like another popular group.
The word imitative describes something that involves copying or mimicking another thing – whether it's behavior, style, art, or sound. It goes beyond simple resemblance; imitation implies a deliberate act of replication. A young artist might go through an imitative phase, closely copying the techniques of their favorite masters before developing their own unique style. The word imitative describes something that involves copying or mimicking another thing – whether it's behavior, style, art, or sound. It goes beyond simple resemblance; imitative usually implies a deliberate act of replication. A young artist might go through an imitative phase, closely copying the techniques of their favorite masters before developing their own unique style.
The context is important. In psychology, imitative behavior in children is crucial for learning and development – they learn by watching and copying adults. However, in art or music, being overly imitative can be seen as a lack of creativity or originality. A writer might be criticized for producing an imitative work if it closely resembles another author's style without adding anything new.
The term isn't limited to people either! An imitative strategy in business involves copying successful tactics from competitors. A camouflage pattern is imitative, designed to mimic the surrounding environment.
So, whether you're talking about a child learning to walk, an artist honing their skills, or a clever disguise, imitative describes anything that relies on replication – a process of learning, adapting, and sometimes, simply copying what already exists.
Examples
- 1
Child learning
Young children are highly imitative, so they quickly pick up words and habits from the adults around them.
- 2
Music criticism
Critics said the band's second album was too imitative of American rock music.
- Patternimitative of + person/style/work
too much like someone or something else
- 3
Creative writing
The first draft was competent but felt imitative rather than original.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- derivative
- emulative
- onomatopoeic
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- imitative behavior
- imitative style
- imitative sounds
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- imitativeadjective