The word "mimic" is spelled with the letters M-I-M-I-C, and pronounced /ˈmɪmɪk/. The first syllable, "MIM," contains the short "i" sound, as in "sit," followed by the letter "m." The second syllable, "IC," is pronounced with a long "ee" sound, as in "tree," followed by the letter "c." The word means to imitate or copy, and can be used to describe someone or something that is skilled at copying the actions or speech of others.
Mimic, when used as a verb, refers to the act of imitating or replicating the actions, speech, or behavior of someone else, often with the intention of entertaining or mocking. It involves closely observing someone's mannerisms, gestures, or voice and then closely replicating them to provide an accurate imitation. Mimicking can also involve copying the behavior of an animal or imitating the sounds they make. The purpose of mimicry can vary, from comedy and entertainment to satire or ridicule.
As a noun, a mimic is a person who imitates others, often for comedic purposes. This individual has the ability to closely observe and replicate the mannerisms and behaviors of other people, making the imitation appear convincing and humorous. Mimics are typically skilled at mimicry, possessing a keen eye for detail and the ability to mimic various accents, voices, or physical movements accurately.
The term "mimic" is derived from the Latin word "mimus," which means actor or mime. It has been used throughout literature and the performing arts to describe characters or performers who excel in imitating others. In nature, mimicry refers to the adaptation of certain animals or plants to resemble other organisms, either for protection or to gain an advantage over predators or prey. Overall, whether used as a verb or noun, mimic typically involves the act of imitating or emulating others with a specific purpose in mind.
Imitative, simulating, mimetic.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
• Inclined to imitate the manners and peculiarities of another.
• One who imitates the voice, gestures, and manner of another, in order to excite laughter; an actor.
• To speak or act like another in order to excite laughter or ridicule.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "mimic" comes from the Greek word "mimos", meaning "an actor or imitator". In ancient Greece, mimes were performers who imitated other people or characters on stage. Over time, the word "mimic" began to be used in English to describe someone who imitates or copies the actions, speech, or appearance of others.