imitative Hear it!

imitative Definition

imi·ta·tive (imi tāt′iv; also, -i tə tiv′)

adjective

  1. formed from a model; reproducing the qualities of an original or another
  2. given to imitating; inclined to imitate others
  3. not genuine or real; imitation
  4. approximating in sound the thing or action signified; echoic: said of such words as hiss, ripple, clang

Etymology: LL imitativus

imitative Related Forms

imi·ta′·tively adverb imi·ta′·tive·ness noun

imitative Synonyms

imitative

modif.

  1. Copying

    mimicking, copying, reflecting, echoic; see mimetic.

  2. Counterfeit

    forged, sham, deceptive; see false 2, 3.

imitative Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • counterpoint: In many ways, the work shows Rheinberger's classical leanings, with its substantial use of imitative counterpoint.
  • behavior: This kind of imitative behavior can easily lead to tipping points, in which the number of football fans suddenly rockets upwards.
  • learning: Nowadays, the authors limit themselves to a strict definition of imitative learning.
  • pattern: Select imitative nymph patterns suited to the water you are fishing.
  • strategy: Imitative strategies use only information available from a land manager's social neighborhood.
  • capacity: None of the earlier technologies exhibited this sort of independent, logical, imitative capacity.

Modifying Another Word

  • not: The absence of a mouth makes no difference and serves to prove the smile is not imitative.
  • purely: Whatever nationalism has appeared in Muslim countries has been purely imitative and artificial, the work of foreign influences, foreign money.

Browse dictionary entries near imitative

  1. imitation
  2. imitating
  3. imitated
  4. imitate
  5. imit.
  6. imipramine
  7. imino-
  8. imino
  9. imine
  10. imido-
  1. imitator
  2. immaculate
  3. Immaculate Conception
  4. immane
  5. immanent
  6. immanentism
  7. Immanuel
  8. immaterial
  9. immaterialism
  10. immaterialize