Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Imitation
Im′i-ta′tion
,Noun.
[L.
imitatio
: cf. F. imitation
.] 1.
The act of imitating.
Poesy is an art of
imitation
, . . . that is to say, a representing, counterfeiting, or figuring forth. Sir P. Sidney.
2.
That which is made or produced as a copy; that which is made to resemble something else, whether for laudable or for fraudulent purposes; likeness; resemblance.
Both these arts are not only true
imitations
of nature, but of the best nature. Dryden.
3.
(Mus.)
One of the principal means of securing unity and consistency in polyphonic composition; the repetition of essentially the same melodic theme, phrase, or motive, on different degrees of pitch, by one or more of the other parts of voises. Cf.
Canon
. 4.
(Biol.)
The act of condition of imitating another species of animal, or a plant, or unanimate object. See , 3.
Imitate
, Verb.
T.
☞ Imitation is often used adjectively to characterize things which have a deceptive appearance, simulating the qualities of a superior article; – opposed to
real
or genuine
; as, imitation lace; imitation bronze; imitation modesty, etc. Webster 1828 Edition
Imitation
IMITA'TION
,Noun.
1.
The act of following in manner, or of copying in form; the act of making the similitude of any thing, or of attempting a resemblance. By the imitation of bad men or of evil examples, we are apt to contract vicious habits. In the imitation of natural forms and colors,we are often unsuccessful. Imitation in music, says Rousseau, is a reiteration of the same air, or of one which is similar, in several parts where it is repeated by one after the other, either in unison, or at the distance of a fourth, a fifth, a third, or any interval whatever. Imitation in oratory, is an endeavor to resemble a speaker or writer in the qualities which we propose to ourselves as patterns.2.
That which is made or produced as a copy; likeness; resemblance. We say, a thing is a true imitation of nature.3.
A method of translating, in which modern examples and illustrations are used for ancient, or domestic for foreign, or in which the translator not only varies the words and sense,but forsakes them as he sees occasion.Definition 2024
Imitation
Imitation
See also: imitation
German
Noun
Imitation f (genitive Imitation, plural Imitationen)
Declension
Declension of Imitation
| singular | plural | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| indef. | def. | noun | def. | noun | |
| nominative | eine | die | Imitation | die | Imitationen |
| genitive | einer | der | Imitation | der | Imitationen |
| dative | einer | der | Imitation | den | Imitationen |
| accusative | eine | die | Imitation | die | Imitationen |
Related terms
imitation
imitation
See also: Imitation
English
Noun
imitation (plural imitations)
Antonyms
- (act of imitating): creation
Translations
act of imitating
|
copy