mimic
B2Mainly formal and academic, but also common in informal contexts when referring to comedic imitation.
Definition
Meaning
To imitate someone's speech, actions, or mannerisms, often for amusement or to make fun of them.
1. To copy the physical appearance, sound, or behavior of something else, as in protective mimicry in nature. 2. As a noun, a person or thing skilled at imitation. 3. As an adjective, describing something that imitates or is simulated (e.g., mimic warfare).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word often carries a playful or mocking tone when referring to human imitation. In biology/technology, it is a neutral term for an accurate or adaptive copy.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. 'Mimic' is the standard spelling in both. The past tense is 'mimicked' in both varieties. Noun usage is identical.
Connotations
Identical connotations across varieties.
Frequency
Used with similar frequency in both UK and US English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
mimic + NOUN (direct object)be mimicked + by + AGENT (passive)mimic + NOUN + ADVERBIAL (e.g., perfectly)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “mimic to a T (to mimic perfectly or exactly)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in tech/marketing: 'The software mimics human decision-making.'
Academic
Common in biology (e.g., 'Batesian mimicry') and linguistics (e.g., 'child language mimicry').
Everyday
'He can mimic the teacher's accent perfectly.'
Technical
In medicine: 'mimic symptoms'; in computing: 'hardware mimicry'.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The comedian brilliantly mimicked the Prime Minister's hesitant speech.
- Some butterflies mimic leaves to avoid predators.
- The system is designed to mimic natural processes.
American English
- My little brother loves to mimic everything I say.
- The robot's hand can mimic human gestures with precision.
- Her painting style deliberately mimics the old masters.
adverb
British English
- Not standardly used as an adverb. 'Mimically' is extremely rare and not recommended.
American English
- Not standardly used as an adverb. 'Mimically' is extremely rare and not recommended.
adjective
British English
- The army conducted mimic warfare exercises on the moor.
- The insect's mimic coloration provides excellent camouflage.
American English
- They built a mimic control panel for training purposes.
- The laboratory uses mimic tissues for testing.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Parrots can mimic human words.
- The child tried to mimic his father's walk.
- She is very good at mimicking famous singers.
- Some animals mimic their surroundings to stay safe.
- The new material mimics the properties of natural silk.
- He was criticized for mimicking his manager's leadership style too closely.
- The AI's ability to mimic conversational patterns is both impressive and unsettling.
- Batesian mimicry is an evolutionary strategy where a harmless species imitates a harmful one.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MIME artist in a MIMIc costume. Both 'mime' and 'mimic' start with 'mim-' and involve imitation.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMITATION IS REFLECTION (to mimic is to hold up a mirror to behavior).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'мимика' (facial expressions). 'Mimic' как глагол — это 'передразнивать' или 'подражать', а не просто 'выражать лицом'.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling past tense as 'mimiced' instead of 'mimicked'. Confusing with 'mime' (silent theatrical art).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'mimicry' used as a specific technical concept?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Mimic' often implies a closer, more detailed copy, sometimes with a focus on audible or visual aspects, and can carry a playful or mocking tone. 'Imitate' is broader and more neutral.
Yes. A 'mimic' is a person or thing that mimics, e.g., 'He's a brilliant mimic of political figures.'
Not inherently. Its tone depends on context. It can be playful, admiring of skill, or derogatory (implying unoriginality). In science, it's neutral.
It's pronounced /ˈmɪm.ɪkt/. The '-ed' creates an extra /t/ sound at the end.