imitate

copy, imitate, mimic, ape, mock mean to make something so that it resembles an existing thing. copy suggests duplicating an original as nearly as possible.

• • copied the painting and sold the fake as an original

imitate suggests following a model or a pattern but may allow for some variation.

• • imitate a poet's style

mimic implies a close copying (as of voice or mannerism) often for fun, ridicule, or lifelike imitation.

• • pupils mimicking their teacher

ape may suggest presumptuous, slavish, or inept imitating of a superior original.

• • American fashion designers aped their European colleagues

mock usually implies imitation with derision.

• • mocking a vain man's pompous manner