Imitatory describes something that copies or mimics another thing, style, or behavior. It suggests a replication, sometimes closely, of a model. It often implies a degree of superficiality, suggesting that the imitator might lack the originality or depth of the source. However, imitatory processes can be valuable in learning and development, as the practice of imitation can facilitate acquiring new skills or understanding complex ideas. The degree to which 'imitatory' is pejorative can depend on the context, sometimes implying a lack of originality, and other times indicating a deliberate and effective method of learning or practice.
Imitatory meaning with examples
- The young artist's early paintings were clearly imitatory of the renowned Impressionists, showing a clear attempt to emulate their techniques and brushstrokes. While lacking the originality of the masters, they demonstrated a strong grasp of the visual principles.
- The parrot's imitatory ability, perfectly reproducing human speech, was the highlight of the circus act. The audience was amused by the bird's mimicry, although the words themselves held little meaning for the animal, just the sounds.
- The marketing campaign adopted an imitatory approach, closely mirroring the strategies of their successful competitors. They hoped to capture a slice of the market, using a proven, albeit less creative, approach to advertising their new product.
- A common teaching method, especially for young children, relies heavily on imitatory actions, encouraging students to replicate the teacher’s movements to learn proper physical techniques and actions for a subject.
- His imitatory style of storytelling was evident when he started repeating plot structures used in best-selling novels, which drew criticism from people who felt the narrative lacked any innovation or original thought.