Mimick vs. Mimic — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on October 3, 2023
"Mimic" refers to imitating someone’s actions, speech, or appearance, often to entertain or deceive. "Mimick" is just an obsolete spelling of "mimic," so they share the same meaning; the contemporary and correct spelling is "mimic."
Difference Between Mimick and Mimic
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Mimic is the standard and modern spelling for the term that denotes the act of imitating or copying the behavior, speech, or actions of another, often to entertain, mock, or deceive. It can refer to individuals who imitate others for various purposes, such as learning, mockery, or camouflage. On the other hand, Mimick is an archaic variant of the same word, found in older texts but it is not used in contemporary English. Both words share the exact meaning, but their spelling differs, with "mimick" being outdated and generally considered incorrect in modern usage.
The term mimic, in its standard form, can be used as a verb or a noun. As a verb, it represents the action of imitating, and as a noun, it refers to a person or thing that imitates. It’s widely used in various contexts, such as in biology, where some species mimic others for survival benefits, and in everyday language to describe imitation in general. Mimick, while holding the same meaning, is rarely seen in modern texts and has been superseded by the more streamlined spelling, "mimic."
The preference for mimic over mimick in modern English reflects the evolution of language, where spellings are modified over time for standardization and convenience. It's crucial, especially in formal writing and communication, to use the contemporary and universally accepted spelling, "mimic," to avoid misunderstandings or perceptions of incorrectness. While mimick may appear in historical or literary contexts to convey period-appropriate language, it is essentially interchangeable in meaning with its modern counterpart.
In literature and everyday conversation, mimic is commonly used to describe both deliberate and unintentional imitation. It holds relevance in discussions about learning processes, behavioral studies, and artistic performances, among others. Mimick, owing to its obsolete status, is likely to be encountered predominantly in older literature or in discussions about the historical development and variations of the English language.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Obsolete spelling of “mimic.”
Refers to the imitation of actions, speech, or appearance.
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Usage
Rarely used, found in older texts.
Commonly used in modern English.
Context
Appears mainly in historical or period-specific literature.
Used in various contexts, including biology and arts.
Correctness
Generally considered incorrect in contemporary English.
The contemporary and correct spelling of the term.
Interchangeability
Holds the same meaning as “mimic” but is outdated.
Standard term for describing imitation.
Compare with Definitions
Mimick
Alternative form of mimic
Mimic
Mimic can also mean to resemble or replicate certain characteristics or features.
“The robot was designed to mimic human movements.”
Mimick
Alternative form of mimic
Mimic
Mimic can denote reproducing sounds or appearances of other entities.
“The parrot could mimic a range of sounds, from car alarms to human voices.”
Mimic
To copy or imitate closely, especially in speech, expression, and gesture
A girl who naturally mimics her older sister.
Mimic
To copy or imitate so as to ridicule; mock
Always mimicking the boss.
Mimic
To reproduce or simulate
"Scientists figured out how to mimic conditions in the bowels of the earth and began fabricating ... synthetic diamonds" (Natalie Angier).
Mimic
To resemble by biological mimicry
An insect that mimics a twig.
Mimic
To have a similar structure, action, or effect as
A drug that mimics a compound in the body.
Mimic
To produce symptoms like those of (a disease).
Mimic
To produce (symptoms) like those produced by a different disease.
Mimic
One who copies or mimics others, as for amusement.
Mimic
One who practices the art of mime.
Mimic
An organism that resembles another by mimicry.
Mimic
A chemical having a structure, action, or effect like that of another.
Mimic
A disease or disorder producing symptoms like those of another.
Mimic
Relating to or characteristic of a mimic or mimicry.
Mimic
Make-believe; mock
A mimic battle.
Mimic
To imitate, especially in order to ridicule.
Mimic
(biology) To take on the appearance of another, for protection or camouflage.
Mimic
A person who practices mimicry; especially:
Mimic
A mime.
Mimic
A comic who does impressions.
Mimic
An entity that mimics another entity, such as a disease that resembles another disease in its signs and symptoms; see the great imitator.
Mimic
An imitation.
Mimic
Pertaining to mimicry; imitative.
Mimic
Mock, pretended.
Mimic
(mineralogy) Imitative; characterized by resemblance to other forms; applied to crystals which by twinning resemble simple forms of a higher grade of symmetry.
Mimic
Imitative; mimetic.
Oft, in her absence, mimic fancy wakesTo imitate her.
Man is, of all creatures, the most mimical.
Mimic
Consisting of, or formed by, imitation; imitated; as, mimic gestures.
Mimic
Imitative; characterized by resemblance to other forms; - applied to crystals which by twinning resemble simple forms of a higher grade of symmetry.
Mimic
One who imitates or mimics, especially one who does so for sport; a copyist; a buffoon.
Mimic
To imitate or ape for sport; to ridicule by imitation.
The walk, the words, the gesture, could supply,The habit mimic, and the mien belie.
Mimic
To assume a resemblance to (some other organism of a totally different nature, or some surrounding object), as a means of protection or advantage.
Mimic
Someone who mimics (especially an actor or actress)
Mimic
Imitate (a person, a manner, etc.), especially for satirical effect;
The actor mimicked the President very accurately
Mimic
Constituting an imitation;
The mimic warfare of the opera stage
Mimic
Mimic refers to the act of imitating someone’s actions, speech, or appearance.
“She could mimic her teacher’s accent perfectly.”
Mimic
It denotes copying behavior or attributes, often to entertain or deceive.
“Some insects mimic leaves to avoid predators.”
Mimic
It represents simulating conditions or properties for study or analysis.
“The laboratory environment was set to mimic the natural habitat of the species.”
Common Curiosities
Can the term “mimick” be used in formal writing?
No, “mimick” is an obsolete spelling and “mimic” should be used in formal writing.
Is the meaning of “mimic” and “mimick” the same?
Yes, they share the same meaning, but “mimick” is an outdated spelling.
Can “mimic” refer to unintentional imitation?
Yes, “mimic” can describe both intentional and unintentional imitation.
Is “mimic” used in biological contexts?
Yes, “mimic” is used in biology to describe species that imitate others for survival benefits.
Can “mimick” be found in modern publications?
“Mimick” is rarely found in modern publications, and “mimic” is the correct contemporary spelling.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
