Langimage
English

mimicry

|mim-ic-ry|

B2

/ˈmɪmɪkri/

imitation

Etymology
Etymology Information

'mimicry' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'mimēsis,' where 'mimos' meant 'imitator.'

Historical Evolution

'mimēsis' transformed into the Latin word 'mimicria,' and eventually became the modern English word 'mimicry.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'imitation or representation,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

the action or art of imitating someone or something, typically to entertain or ridicule.

The comedian's mimicry of the politician was spot on.

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Antonyms

Noun 2

in biology, the close external resemblance of an organism to some different organism, such as a butterfly mimicking a leaf.

The mimicry of the stick insect makes it almost invisible among the branches.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45