# imitate

> English word · Verb · IPA /ˈɪmɪteɪt/ · frequency rank #19,863

## Definitions
1. To follow as a model or a pattern; to make a copy, counterpart or semblance of.

## Etymology
Borrowed from Latin imitātus, perfect active participle of imitor (“to copy, portray, imitate”), see -ate (verb-forming suffix). Cognate with French imiter.

## Easily confused with
- **initiate** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/imitate-vs-initiate)
- **irritate** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/imitate-vs-irritate)
- **imitated** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/imitate-vs-imitated)

## Common misspellings (9)
`iimtate`, `imiatte`, `imitaet`, `imitatte`, `imittae`, `imittate`, `immitate`, `imtiate`, `miitate`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/imitate