mime
B2Neutral to formal when referring to the art form; informal when meaning 'to imitate'.
Definition
Meaning
The art of using gestures, facial expressions, and body movements to tell a story or convey an idea without speaking.
1) A performer skilled in this silent art; a mime artist. 2) To imitate or mimic someone or something's actions or mannerisms, often for comic effect. 3) (In computing) To pretend to perform an action without actually doing it (e.g., 'mime typing').
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Can refer to a high art form (classical mime) or simple imitation. As a verb, often implies deliberate, exaggerated, or theatrical copying.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the word identically for the art form and the verb. The performer is commonly called a 'mime' or 'mime artist' in the UK; in the US, simply 'a mime' is standard.
Connotations
In both cultures, the figure of a street mime (white face paint, striped shirt) can have slightly dated or stereotypical associations.
Frequency
Equal frequency for core meanings; the computing sense is more common in US tech contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[verb] mime + NP (He mimed shock)[verb] mime + V-ing (She mimed opening a door)[noun] mime + of + NP (a mime of a trapped man)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to be a mime (to be silent/uncommunicative)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. 'He mimed a phone call to signal the meeting was over.' (Informal)
Academic
In theatre or performance studies, discussing non-verbal communication.
Everyday
Describing silent imitation. 'The kids mimed their teacher's angry face.'
Technical
In computing: 'mime a click', 'mime typing'.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She had to mime the lyrics because she'd forgotten the words.
- The actor mimed drinking from an invisible cup.
American English
- He mimed a basketball shot from across the room.
- The coach mimed the correct swing for the player.
adverb
British English
- He communicated mime-like, using only his hands.
- (Note: 'mime' as a pure adverb is rare; adverbial phrases like 'in mime' are used.)
American English
- She acted it out mime-style for the deaf audience.
- (Note: 'mime' as a pure adverb is rare; adverbial phrases are used.)
adjective
British English
- The mime troupe's performance was spellbinding.
- He took a mime workshop in Paris.
American English
- The festival featured a famous mime act.
- Her mime skills were incredibly precise.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The clown did a funny mime.
- Can you mime 'washing your hair'?
- We saw a street mime performing in the square.
- She mimed opening a window to let us know she was hot.
- Classical French mime requires immense physical control.
- The singer lost her voice and had to mime to the backing track.
- His dissertation analysed the semiotics of modern mime.
- The software allows you to mime user interactions for testing purposes.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
MIME: My Imitation Makes Expressions.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNICATION IS PHYSICAL ACTION (ideas are conveyed through physical gestures).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'мим' (mimosa) или 'мем' (meme). Русское 'пантомима' (pantomime) — прямой эквивалент для искусства, но не для глагола 'to mime'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing spelling: 'mime' vs. 'mime' (correct) vs. 'myme' (incorrect).
- Using 'mime' as a verb without an object (Incorrect: 'He was miming.' Correct: 'He was miming a struggle.')
Practice
Quiz
In a computing context, what does it mean to 'mime a click'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In British English, 'pantomime' (or 'panto') is a specific type of musical comedy stage production for families at Christmas. The art of silent performance is 'mime'. In American English, 'pantomime' is closer to 'mime' as the silent art. The verb 'to mime' is standard in all varieties.
Both involve imitation. 'Mime' typically refers to silent, physical imitation, often of actions or emotions. 'Mimic' focuses on imitating sounds, speech, or specific mannerisms of a person, and can have a negative connotation (to mock).
Yes. 'He is a mime' or 'a mime artist' is perfectly correct to refer to the performer.
It is a specialised usage within software testing and user experience (UX) design, meaning to simulate an action. It is not common in everyday language.
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