What is mimicry? Pronunciation and usage in English

mimicry means . Learn how to pronounce and use mimicry through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of mimicry

mimicrynoun

/ˈmɪmɪkri//ˈmɪmɪkri/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "mimicry." It's a tricky word because it has a few sounds that can be confusing. Here’s a breakdown:

1. The Core Sounds:

  • Mi-: Pronounced like "my" - as in, "my dog."
  • -mim-: This is the tricky part! It's a diphthong (a combination of two vowel sounds). It sounds like "mim" as in "mimic" (a small bird). It’s not a pure “i” sound.
  • -cry: Pronounced like "crī" – rhymes with "sky." The ‘i’ is a longer, more drawn-out sound than a quick ‘i’ like in “it.”

2. Putting it Together:

So, it's roughly: "Mih-mim-kree"

Here's a more detailed breakdown, with emphasis:

  • Mih - (Emphasize this syllable a little)
  • mim - (Quick, like “mimic”)
  • kree - (Longer ‘ee’ sound, like in “tree”)

Resources for Hearing it Pronounced:

Tips for Getting it Right:

  • Don’t say “mee-mim-kree.” That's a common mistake.
  • Focus on the "mim" sound. Really get that short, quick "mim" sound in there.
  • Practice slowly at first. Slowly build up your speed as you become more comfortable.

Would you like me to:

  • Give you a few example sentences using "mimicry" so you can try saying it in context?
  • Break down the individual components of the word further?

Usage and examples with the word mimicry in English

Let's break down how to use the word "mimicry" in English. It's a rich word with a few different meanings, so understanding the context is key.

1. Core Meaning: Imitation

At its most basic, "mimicry" means imitating something, usually in a skillful or exact way. It’s about copying – not just passively repeating, but striving to reproduce the essence of what you're observing.

  • Example: "The baby’s mimicry of her father’s gestures was adorable." (Here, it's about copying actions.)
  • Example: “He employed mimicry to create a realistic sound effect for the robot.” (Copying sounds to achieve realism)

2. Specific Types of Mimicry

The word often applies to very specific forms of imitation:

  • Animal Mimicry: This is probably the most commonly understood usage. It refers to animals that imitate other animals or objects – for survival, camouflage, or attracting mates.

    • Example: "The mockingbird is famous for its mimicry of other birds' songs."
    • Example: "Some insects use mimicry to resemble leaves or twigs, making them harder for predators to spot."

  • Human Mimicry (Behavioral Mimicry): This describes the unconscious mimicking of people, gestures, or speech patterns. The famous “Chameleon Effect” – where people automatically mirror each other’s body language – is a form of behavioral mimicry.

    • Example: “Researchers have found that people unconsciously mimic the facial expressions and postures of those they interact with.”
    • Example: “She unconsciously fell into mimicry of her boss’s mannerisms.” (Often a subconscious process)

  • Artistic Mimicry: This describes artists who imitate the style of another artist.

    • Example: "The young painter’s work showed a clear mimicry of Van Gogh’s brushstrokes and vibrant colors."

3. Figurative Usage (Less Common)

Sometimes, “mimicry” is used more broadly to suggest a lack of originality or a slavish adherence to a model.

  • Example: “The film was criticized for its mimicry of the plot of the original novel.” (Meaning it copied the story too closely without adding anything new.)

Key Words Associated with Mimicry:

  • Imitate: A simpler, more general term.
  • Copy: Similar to imitate.
  • Replicate: Suggests a precise, accurate duplication.
  • Parody: A humorous imitation, often exaggerating or distorting the original.
  • Echo: Used to describe a repeated sound or action.

Tips for Using "Mimicry":

  • Context is crucial: Pay attention to what is being imitated.
  • Consider the purpose: Why is the imitation happening? (Survival, art, social connection, etc.)
  • Don’t overuse it: It’s a specific term, so reserve it for situations where a skillful or deliberate imitation is important.

Resources for Further Learning:

Would you like me to:

  • Give you more examples in a specific context (e.g., in literature, in biology)?
  • Explain how "mimicry" differs from other related words like "imitation" or "parody"?

Synonyms for the word mimicry

Practice with vocabulary mimicry

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The insect's elaborate camouflage is a prime example of evolutionary __________, allowing it to blend perfectly with its surroundings.
  2. During the training session, new recruits were advised that mere __________ of procedures without comprehension would not lead to mastery.
  3. Researchers are studying the vocal __________ displayed by certain bird species, which helps them communicate complex information about predators.
  4. The consultant recommended several strategic __________ to streamline the workflow and reduce operational costs within the department.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of the following describes a situation where an organism evolves to resemble another species for survival advantage? a) Adaptation b) Symbiosis c) Mimicry d) Camouflage

  2. In a theatrical context, which terms describe the act of closely copying someone's mannerisms or speech for artistic effect? a) Emulation b) Impersonation c) Parody d) Mimicry

  3. When a software program is designed to replicate the functionality and user interface of an existing, successful application, which concepts apply? a) Innovation b) Mimicry c) Emulation d) Prototyping

  4. Which terms denote the act of reproducing a work of art or document precisely, often for study or preservation, without intent to deceive? a) Forgery b) Replication c) Counterfeiting d) Duplication

  5. Which actions involve learning a skill by closely observing and then attempting to perform it in a similar manner? a) Observation b) Experimentation c) Imitation d) Simulation

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The new AI system can copy human conversational patterns with astonishing accuracy, making its responses very natural. Rewrite (using "mimicry" or related word forms):

  2. Original: Many researchers are studying how certain animals change their appearance to look like other, more dangerous species to avoid predators. Rewrite (using "mimicry" or related word forms):

  3. Original: Students were encouraged to reproduce the classic experimental setup as precisely as possible to ensure consistent results. Rewrite (using a suitable replacement word, not "mimicry"):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. mimicry
  2. imitation
  3. mimicry
  4. adjustments

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) Mimicry
  2. b) Impersonation, d) Mimicry
  3. b) Mimicry, c) Emulation
  4. b) Replication, d) Duplication
  5. c) Imitation

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The new AI system demonstrates astonishing accuracy in its mimicry of human conversational patterns, making its responses very natural.
  2. Many researchers are studying the adaptive mimicry some animals employ to resemble more dangerous species, thereby avoiding predators.
  3. Students were encouraged to replicate the classic experimental setup as precisely as possible to ensure consistent results.

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