mimesis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic, Literary
Quick answer
What does “mimesis” mean?
Imitation, representation, or mimicry of the real world in art, literature, or behaviour.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Imitation, representation, or mimicry of the real world in art, literature, or behaviour.
In biology, the resemblance of one organism to another or to an object for concealment or protection (e.g., camouflage). In critical theory, the representation of reality in artistic works.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences. The term is used identically in academic and formal contexts in both varieties.
Connotations
Equally formal and academic in both regions.
Frequency
Equally rare in everyday speech; used almost exclusively in academic, literary, or technical (biological) writing.
Grammar
How to Use “mimesis” in a Sentence
the mimesis of [something]mimesis in [art/literature]through mimesisVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mimesis” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The playwright sought to mimese the chaos of urban life.
American English
- The artist aimed to mimese the texture of ancient stone.
adverb
British English
- The novel describes the scene mimetically, with photographic detail.
American English
- The software renders light mimetically, mimicking real-world physics.
adjective
British English
- Her style was highly mimetic, focusing on precise representation.
American English
- The film's mimetic qualities made the fictional world feel utterly real.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Common in literary theory, philosophy, aesthetics, and biology papers.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would sound overly formal or pretentious.
Technical
Used in biology to describe protective resemblance (e.g., 'Batesian mimesis').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mimesis”
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mimesis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mimesis”
- Mispronouncing it as /maɪˈmiːsɪs/ (with a long 'i').
- Using it in casual conversation where 'imitation' would be appropriate.
- Confusing it with 'mimicry' in non-biological contexts where they are often synonymous.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In general use, they are synonyms. However, in academic contexts (like philosophy or literary theory), 'mimesis' carries deeper connotations about the nature of representation and reality, while 'imitation' can be more superficial.
The standard verb is 'to mimic' or 'to imitate'. The verb 'to mimese' is extremely rare, non-standard, and not recommended. The adjectival form 'mimetic' is the common derivative.
The concept was central to Plato's and Aristotle's philosophies of art. Plato viewed mimesis as a mere copy of a copy (of the ideal Form), while Aristotle saw it as a natural human instinct and a way to understand universal truths.
No. While it includes visual representation, it broadly encompasses any artistic or literary representation of reality, including actions, sounds, emotions, and social conditions.
Imitation, representation, or mimicry of the real world in art, literature, or behaviour.
Mimesis is usually formal, academic, literary in register.
Mimesis: in British English it is pronounced /mɪˈmiːsɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /mɪˈmiːsɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. It is a technical term not used idiomatically.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'MIME' (a performer who imitates) + 'sis' (like in 'analysis'). Mimesis is the analysis or act of imitation.
Conceptual Metaphor
ART IS A MIRROR (for the traditional view of mimesis).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'mimesis' LEAST likely to be used?