What does imitation mean?
Word: Imitation
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: Imitation means a copy of something, made to look like the real thing; also the act of copying the way someone speaks or behaves.
Synonyms: copy, replica, fake, mimicry
Antonyms: original, genuine
Word origin: Comes from Latin imitatio, from imitari, 'to copy'.
How do you spell imitation?
Syllables: im - i - ta - tion
Tricky part: There is only one m after the first i; students double it and write immitation.
Watch out for: immitation, emmitation
Memory tip: An imitation copies, but it never copies its m: write just one.
Idioms and Phrases
- imitation is the sincerest form of flattery: copying someone shows that you admire them Example: "When my little brother copied my hairstyle, Mum said imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."
Imitation in a sentence
Example 1: The bag was a cheap imitation of a famous brand.
Example 2: Ravi does a funny imitation of our head teacher.
Example 3: These pearls are imitation, not real.
Fun Fact
Imitation crab sticks are usually made from white fish paste that has been shaped, flavoured and coloured to look like crab meat.
Practise the CREST Way
Spell Spies
Choose the pair which has a spelling error:
a) meditate : meditation
b) hesitate : hesitation
c) imitate : imittation
d) irritate : irritation
Show answer
c) imitate : imittation. The noun is built straight from imitate, so the t before ation stays single.
Word Tally
You score 3 marks for each misspelt word in the list. What is the total?
imitation, recomendation, ocasion, dedication, comittee
a) 12
b) 6
c) 3
d) 9
Show answer
d) 9. Recommendation, occasion and committee each lack a doubled letter, so three slips at 3 marks give 9.
Spell Probe
Choose the meaning of the misspelt word in the sentence:
The museum shop sold an imitasion of the famous bronze dancer, cast in cheap resin.
a) a likeness made to pass for the true work
b) a sticky substance that sets hard, used in crafts
c) a place where old or valuable objects are shown
d) a hard metal made mostly of copper and tin
Show answer
a) a likeness made to pass for the true work. An s has crept in where the t of tion belongs, so the copy word is the misspelt one.
Word Champ
Read the statements and choose the correct option:
1. An imitation is the original version of a work of art. 2. A facsimile is an exact copy of a document. 3. An heirloom is a cheap copy of a jewel.
a) all three are true
b) only 2 and 3 are true
c) only 1 and 2 are true
d) only 2 is true
Show answer
d) only 2 is true. An imitation is a copy, not the original, and an heirloom is a treasured object handed down in a family.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. A shop sign says 'imitation jewellery'. The jewellery is most likely made of ____.
a) real diamonds
b) cheaper materials made to look precious
c) solid gold
d) rare pearls
Show answer
b) cheaper materials made to look precious
2. A parrot that gives an imitation of a doorbell ____.
a) sleeps through it
b) breaks the bell
c) hides from it
d) copies the sound
Show answer
d) copies the sound
