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Webster 1913 Edition


Imitate

Im′i-tate

,
Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Imitated
;
p. pr. & vb. n.
Imitating
.]
[L.
imitatus
, p. p. of
imitari
to imitate; of unknown origin. Cf.
Image
.]
1.
To follow as a pattern, model, or example; to copy or strive to copy, in acts, manners etc.
Despise wealth and
imitate
a dog.
Cowlay.
2.
To produce a semblance or likeness of, in form, character, color, qualities, conduct, manners, and the like; to counterfeit; to copy.
A place picked out by choice of best alive
The Nature’s work by art can
imitate
.
Spenser.
This hand appeared a shining sword to weild,
And that sustained an
imitated
shield.
Dryden.
3.
(Biol.)
To resemble (another species of animal, or a plant, or inanimate object) in form, color, ornamentation, or instinctive habits, so as to derive an advantage thereby; sa, when a harmless snake imitates a venomous one in color and manner, or when an odorless insect imitates, in color, one having secretion offensive to birds.

Webster 1828 Edition


Imitate

IMI'TATE

,
Verb.
T.
[L. imitor; allied perhaps to Gr. similar, equal.]
1.
To follow in manners; to copy in form, color or quality. We imitate another in dress or manners; we imitate a statue, a painting, a sound, an action, when we make or do that which resembles it. We should seek the best models to imitate, and in morals and piety, it is our duty to imitate the example of our Savior. But as we cannot always make an exact similitude of the original,hence,
2.
To attempt or endeavor to copy or resemble; as, to imitate the colors of the rainbow, or any of the beauties of nature. Cicero appears to have imitated the Greek orators.
3.
To counterfeit.
This hand appear'd a shining sword to wield,
And that sustain'd an imitated shield.
4.
To pursue the course of a composition, so as to use like images and examples.

Definition 2024


imitate

imitate

English

Verb

imitate (third-person singular simple present imitates, present participle imitating, simple past and past participle imitated)

  1. To follow as a model or a pattern; to make a copy, counterpart or semblance of.
    • 1870, Shirley Hibberd, Rustic Adornments for Homes of Taste (page 170)
      Another bird quickly learned to imitate the song of a canary that was mated with it, but as the parrakeet improved in the performance the canary degenerated, and came at last to mingle the other bird's harsh chitterings with its own proper music.
  2. To copy.

Synonyms

  • See also Wikisaurus:imitate

Antonyms

Related terms

Translations

External links

  • imitate in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
  • imitate in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911

Italian

Verb

imitate

  1. second-person plural present indicative of imitare
  2. second-person plural imperative of imitare
  3. feminine plural of imitato

Anagrams


Latin

Participle

imitāte

  1. vocative masculine singular of imitātus