How to pronounce imitation
Say it like im-uh-TAY-shun. Imitation has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (TAY).
- im
- uh
- TAY
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Imitation pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- imGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- TAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of imitation
American and British speakers say imitation in essentially the same way: /ˌɪməˈteɪʃən/ in the US and /ɪmɪˈteɪʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: ih-mih-TAY-shun.
What does imitation mean?
- The act of imitating.“a pale imitation”
- A copy or simulation; something that is not the real thing.“imitation leather”
Where does imitation come from?
From Middle English imitacioun, from Middle French imitacion, from Old French imitacion, from Latin imitatio.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with imitation
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of imitation.
Questions about saying imitation
How do you pronounce imitation?
Say im-uh-TAY-shun. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪməˈteɪʃən/. In British English it is /ɪmɪˈteɪʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in imitation?
Imitation has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (TAY). Broken into parts: im · uh · TAY · shun.
Do Americans and Brits say imitation the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌɪməˈteɪʃən/ and the British form is /ɪmɪˈteɪʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.