Im"i*ta*tive (?), a. [L. imitavitus: cf. F. imitatif.]

1.

Inclined to imitate, copy, or follow; imitating; exhibiting some of the qualities or characteristics of a pattern or model; dependent on example; not original; as, man is an imitative being; painting is an imitative art.

2.

Formed after a model, pattern, or original.

This temple, less in form, with equal grace, Was imitative of the first in Thrace. Dryden.

3. Nat. Hist.

Designed to imitate another species of animal, or a plant, or inanimate object, for some useful purpose, such as protection from enemies; having resamblance to something else; as, imitative colors; imitative habits; dendritic and mammillary forms of minerals are imitative.

-- Im"i*ta*tive*ly, adv. -- Im"i*ta*tive*ness, n.

 

© Webster 1913.


Im"i*ta*tive, n. Gram.

A verb expressive of imitation or resemblance.

[R.]

 

© Webster 1913.

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