PsychologyAugust 10, 2026

mimicry

MIM-ik-ree

Definition

The act of copying or imitating the words, movements, or style of others, sometimes unconsciously.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek word 'mimikos' meaning 'imitative,' which evolved from 'mimos' meaning 'imitator' or 'actor.' It entered English in the early 17th century to describe the act of mimicking.

In the news

In this article, Jason Arday suggests that his tendency to adopt information through mimicry explains how his academic work came to include passages identical to another student's thesis.

Left-wing lawyer behind Jason Arday open letter defends support

Read the full article ↗

The Telegraph

Related words

ablation

The deliberate removal or destruction of a specific tissue, structure, or cell type,…

Psychology

accommodative

Describing a monetary policy intended to stimulate economic growth by keeping interest…

Psychology

aquaporin

A type of protein channel in the cell membrane that facilitates the rapid transport of…

Psychology

astrocytes

Star-shaped glial cells in the brain that provide essential support, nutrients, and…

Psychology

astrocytic

Relating to or derived from astrocytes, which are star-shaped glial cells in the central…

Psychology

astrocytopathy

A pathological condition or disease characterized specifically by the damage,…

Psychology

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.