How to pronounce imitate
Say it like IM-uh-tayt. Imitate has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (IM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce imitate. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- IM
- uh
- tayt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Imitate pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- IMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- taytGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of imitate
American and British speakers say imitate in essentially the same way: /ˈɪməˌteɪt/ in the US and /ˈɪməˌteɪt/ in the UK.
British respelling: IM-uh-tayt.
What does imitate mean?
- To follow as a model or a pattern; to make a copy, counterpart or semblance of.
Where does imitate come from?
Borrowed from Latin imitātus, perfect active participle of imitor (“to copy, portray, imitate”), see -ate (verb-forming suffix).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying imitate
How do you pronounce imitate?
Say IM-uh-tayt. The American pronunciation is /ˈɪməˌteɪt/. In British English it is /ˈɪməˌteɪt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in imitate?
Imitate has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (IM). Broken into parts: IM · uh · tayt.
Do Americans and Brits say imitate the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈɪməˌteɪt/ and the British form is /ˈɪməˌteɪt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.