mimic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mimic" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of imitating or copying someone or something, often in a way that is meant to be humorous or to demonstrate a particular behavior. Example: "The comedian was able to mimic the accents of various nationalities, making the audience laugh with his impressions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In both cases they often manipulate their voice or body to mimic them.

The Guardian - Opinion

We are now researching how we can mimic the natural temperature variations these animals would experience in the wild without causing them distress.

The Guardian

Australian and UK universities mimic each other's strategies when it comes to higher education funding and policy.

The Guardian

These have included mocking a Herman Cain ad, where they drew moustaches on themselves to mimic Cain's campaign chief of staff, and sang a parody of Justin Timberlake's SexyBack that hit at Cain's economic plans.

The Guardian

He encouraged his Twitter followers to mimic Jada's positions in his pictures and #jadapose was used over a million times in a week.

The Guardian

The duchess and Mrs Cameron are, of course, the latest in a long line of women who have elected to mimic other cultures in their wardrobe, with mixed results.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

True to the Japanese tradition, the elements mimic nature: raked gravel imitates flowing water, the large boulders are islands in the river.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Climbers also train on artificial holds and finger boards to mimic the stress and develop strength.

The Guardian

Xiaomi's smartphones use Google's Android software with designs which some say mimic Apple's iPhone.

The Guardian - Tech

Despite Nile Rodgers's commanding presence, it doesn't mimic the sound of Chic but shares that band's aspiration to make luxury items for mass consumption.

The Guardian - Music

At the open-mic sessions he would mimic Ronald Reagan and Sammy Davis Jr.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mimic", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being imitated and the purpose of the imitation, whether for mockery, camouflage, or replication.

Common error

While "mimic" is versatile, overuse can make writing sound repetitive. Replace some instances with synonyms like "imitate", "emulate", or "simulate" to enhance clarity and style.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "mimic" is as a verb, used to describe the act of imitating or copying something or someone. As Ludwig AI explains, it correctly reflects a variety of imitation-based scenarios across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "mimic" functions primarily as a verb, describing the act of imitating or copying something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. It appears most frequently in news and media, with a neutral register, also being valuable in science and business areas. Alternatives include "imitate", "emulate", and "simulate". While "mimic" is widely used, diversifying word choice can enhance writing. It is important to consider the context and intent when using "mimic", as it can imply replication, mocking resemblance, or simply following a pattern.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

imitate

A direct synonym for "mimic", focusing on copying actions or behaviors.

copy

To produce a duplicate of something.

emulate

To imitate with the intent of equaling or surpassing the original.

simulate

To create a model or representation that behaves or appears like the original.

reproduce

To create a copy or representation of something.

mirror

To reflect or closely resemble.

ape

To imitate or copy, often clumsily or foolishly.

resemble

To have a similarity in appearance or qualities.

impersonate

To pretend to be another person, especially for entertainment or deception.

counterfeit

To imitate fraudulently.

FAQs

How is "mimic" used in a sentence?

The word "mimic" can be used to describe imitating someone's behavior, appearance, or actions. For instance, "The parrot can "mimic" human speech" or "The design aims to "mimic" natural processes."

What words can I use instead of "mimic"?

Alternatives to "mimic" include "imitate", "emulate", "reproduce", and "simulate". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "mimic" in formal writing?

Yes, "mimic" is appropriate in formal writing, particularly when describing the accurate replication of a process, design, or function. However, consider synonyms like "replicate" or "simulate" for a more technical tone.

What's the difference between "mimic" and "imitate"?

"Mimic" often implies a close, sometimes mocking, resemblance or replication, while "imitate" simply means to follow or copy. You might "mimic" someone's accent for comedic effect, but "imitate" a successful business strategy to achieve similar results.