verb
mimic
MIHM-ihk
verb
1
To copy someone's speech, movements, or mannerisms, often to make fun of them.
"He loved to mimic the teacher's voice behind her back."
"The parrot could mimic almost any sound it heard."
2
To closely resemble something else, especially for camouflage or protection.
"Some harmless insects mimic the colouring of dangerous wasps."
noun
1
A person skilled at imitating other people's voices or behaviour.
"The comedian was a brilliant mimic of famous politicians."
How to Use Mimic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCopying someone or something so closely that it looks or sounds like the real thing.
Common mistake
A mime is a silent performer; a mimic specifically copies someone's voice, style, or behaviour.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
mimic a voice
mimic behaviour
a talented mimic
Word Forms
mimicked past tense, mimics plural, mimics singular
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He loved to _____ the teacher's voice behind her back.
Etymology
From Latin mimicus, from Greek mīmikós ("belonging to mimes"), from mîmos ("imitator, actor") — the same root as mime.