imitation

Everyday

1. A copy of something, often a fake that looks like the real thing. tree →
2. Copying someone's voice or actions, often to be funny. tree →
3. (adjective) Not real but made to look real: «imitation leather». tree →

In the lessons

In shops it means a cheaper copy: imitation gold, imitation fur. In drama and games it is copying someone's voice. The saying «Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery» means copying someone shows you admire them. Phrases: a cheap imitation, do an imitation of, imitation jewellery.

Examples

• The ring is only an imitation; it isn't real gold. tree →
• He does a great imitation of a chicken. tree →
• Babies learn to talk by imitation. tree →
• The chair is covered in imitation leather. tree →
• It was a poor imitation of the famous painting. tree →
• «Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery,» said Gran. tree →
• But they all with one voice shouted out that the Clown's imitation was much more true to life. tree →

Note

Verb: imitate. Opposite of an imitation: the real thing, the original, genuine. Countable for a copy; uncountable for the act of copying.