2  definitions  found 
 
  From  Webster's  Revised  Unabridged  Dictionary  (1913)  [web1913]: 
 
  Imitate  \Im"i*tate\,  v.  t.  [imp.  &  p.  p.  {Imitated};  p.  pr  & 
  vb  n.  {Imitating}.]  [L.  imitatus  p.  p.  of  imitari  to 
  imitate;  of  unknown  origin.  Cf  {Image}.] 
  1.  To  follow  as  a  pattern,  model,  or  example;  to  copy  or 
  strive  to  copy,  in  acts  manners  etc 
 
  Despise  wealth  and  imitate  a  dog.  --Cowlay. 
 
  2.  To  produce  a  semblance  or  likeness  of  in  form  character, 
  color,  qualities,  conduct,  manners,  and  the  like  to 
  counterfeit;  to  copy. 
 
  A  place  picked  out  by  choice  of  best  alive  The 
  Nature's  work  by  art  can  imitate.  --Spenser. 
 
  This  hand  appeared  a  shining  sword  to  weild,  And 
  that  sustained  an  imitated  shield.  --Dryden. 
 
  3.  (Biol.)  To  resemble  (another  species  of  animal,  or  a 
  plant,  or  inanimate  object)  in  form  color,  ornamentation, 
  or  instinctive  habits,  so  as  to  derive  an  advantage 
  thereby;  sa  when  a  harmless  snake  imitates  a  venomous  one 
  in  color  and  manner,  or  when  an  odorless  insect  imitates, 
  in  color,  one  having  secretion  offensive  to  birds. 
 
  From  WordNet  r  1.6  [wn]: 
 
  imitate 
  v  1:  produce  a  copy  of  "she  copied  the  famous  painting"  [syn:  {copy}, 
  {simulate}] 
  2:  imitate  in  behavior  or  appearance;  "She  is  imitating  the 
  comedian  very  well!";  "Her  little  brother  apes  her 
  behavior"  [syn:  {copy},  {ape}] 

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