“Imitated” vs “Intimated”

Some words in the English language can sound so much alike that even seasoned writers start to second-guess themselves. Imitated vs intimated might look similar, but they do very different jobs in a sentence. Once, I heard someone say, “He intimated her style,” when they meant “He imitated it.” That mistake completely changed the meaning of the line.

To avoid confusion, this in-depth guide will break down both terms, explaining their origins and giving common use cases to help you learn how to use them effectively. Whether you’re writing like a pro or just want your message to land with clarity, having the right tools makes all the difference. Use the right word, and let your powerful writing shine.

Why “Imitated” vs “Intimated” Get Confused

At first glance (or hearing), it’s easy to mix up these two verbs. They share similar endings, are both formal-sounding, and both are verbs rooted in Latin. But their meanings couldn’t be more different.

Let’s clarify right off the bat:

• “Imitated” means to copy or replicate.
• “Intimated” means to imply, suggest subtly, or express something indirectly.

Despite their phonetic resemblance, the intent, context, and tone differ widely.

What Does “Imitate” Mean?

To imitate is to mimic or replicate someone’s behavior, speech, or style. It’s an external action-visible and deliberate.

Definition (Oxford English Dictionary):

“To take or follow as a model; to copy.”

You’ve probably seen imitation in action every day:

• Children imitate their parents’ mannerisms.
• A stand-up comedian imitates celebrities.
• Marketers imitate successful branding campaigns.

Common Forms of the Verb

• Base: imitate
• Past tense: imitated
• Present participle: imitating
• Noun: imitation
• Adjective: imitative

Examples in Sentences

• She imitated her teacher’s accent just for laughs.
• The painting imitates Van Gogh’s brush style.
• He was accused of imitating his competitor’s software features.

Etymology of “Imitate”

The word “imitate” comes from the Latin “imitari”, meaning to copy or resemble. It first entered English around the 15th century through Old French.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Language Origin	Word Form	Meaning
Latin	imitari	to copy, to mimic
Old French	imiter	to copy
English (1400s)	imitate	to act like, follow

This word has remained relatively stable in meaning over centuries-consistently tied to replication or mimicry.

Common Use Cases for “Imitated”

“Imitated” is often used in the following domains:

In Art and Design

• Many digital artists imitate traditional painting styles.
• Designers often imitate vintage aesthetics.

In Behavior and Psychology

• Children develop by imitating adult actions.
• Mirror neurons in the brain are involved when we imitate.

In Fashion and Culture

• Fast fashion brands are notorious for imitating high-end designs.
• Social trends are imitated across TikTok and Instagram.

In Business and Marketing

• Competitors often imitate successful business models.
• Apple’s product launches are frequently imitated worldwide.

What Does “Intimate” Mean as a Verb?

Here’s where it gets interesting. The verb “intimate” isn’t about closeness or relationships-though it sounds like it. Instead, when used as a verb, “to intimate” means to suggest or state something subtly.

Definition (Merriam-Webster):

“To communicate delicately and indirectly.”

That means no direct statement- just a subtle nudge or a hint.

Examples in Sentences

• She intimated that he might be promoted soon.
• He intimated his disappointment with a single glance.
• The letter intimated that legal action could follow.

Etymology of “Intimate” (as a Verb)

The word comes from Latin “intimare”, meaning to impress upon, make known. It’s derived from “intimus,” which means inmost or deepest.

Language Origin	Word Form	Meaning
Latin	intimare	to announce, make known
Latin root	intimus	innermost
English (1600s)	intimate	to suggest, hint subtly

The key nuance is subtle communication. You’re not spelling it out-you’re implying it.

Real-Life Examples of “Intimated” in Context

Here’s how this word is used in various fields:

In Politics

• The president intimated that tax reform was imminent.
• Through her speech, she intimated a possible resignation.

In Literature

• Authors often intimate plot twists through foreshadowing.
• He intimated despair without ever stating it.

In Business Communication

• The memo intimated upcoming changes to policy.
• Executives often intimate decisions without explicitly announcing them.

Imitated vs Intimated: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Here’s a clear comparison to illustrate the distinction:

Feature	Imitated	Intimated
Meaning	To copy or replicate	To suggest or communicate subtly
Usage	Mimic behavior, reproduce art or speech	Imply information, signal thoughts indirectly
Tone	External, visible, direct	Internal, nuanced, indirect
Examples	“He imitated her walk.”	“She intimated concern.”
Common Contexts	Art, behavior, marketing	Politics, communication, literature
Part of Speech	Verb (past tense)	Verb (past tense)

Why These Words Get Misused: Common Errors

Let’s look at some examples of real misuse:

Incorrect:

She intimated the fashion choices of her idol.

This is incorrect because “intimated” is not about copying.

Corrected:

She imitated the fashion choices of her idol.

Here’s another:

Incorrect:

He implied that the meeting was canceled.

This doesn’t make sense.

Corrected:

He intimated that the meeting was canceled.

Why These Mistakes Happen

• They sound similar: both end in “-ated”
• Writers may assume “intimate” means to get close or familiar in all forms
• Spellcheck rarely catches the context-based error

How to Remember the Difference: Simple Mnemonics

Memory aids make a huge difference. Here are some tricks:

Mnemonic 1:

• “Imitate = Image” → Think of a mirror or duplicate.
• “She imitated her boss” → copied

Mnemonic 2:

• “Intimate = Hintimate” → Hints or suggestions.
• “He intimated concern” → suggested

Related Language Tips and Confusions

Words like “imitated” vs “intimated” often confuse because they sound alike. Here are other examples:

Emulate vs Imitate

• Emulate implies admiration and improvement.
• Imitation is simply copying.

She emulated her mentor’s work ethic, not just his methods.

Allude vs Intimate

• Allude means to reference indirectly.
• Intimate suggests something emotionally or subtly.

The story alluded to ancient myths, while the author intimated personal struggles.

Why Choosing the Right Word Matters

Precision in language builds credibility, especially in these fields:

Legal Writing

“The contract intimated a breach” vs. “The contract imitated another.”
One implies subtlety; the other accuses plagiarism.

Marketing

“Our brand imitates nature.” – Bad if you’re copying
“Our packaging suggests elegance.” – Suggests luxury, not copying

Literature

An author who “imitates” Hemingway writes in his style.
One who “intimates” Hemingway’s themes weaves subtle similarities.

Getting it right doesn’t just avoid confusion elevates your writing.

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

Here’s your cheat sheet to bookmark or print:

Word	Meaning	Use Case	Trigger Phrase
Imitated	Copied, replicated	Behavior, art, trends	“Mirror image”
Intimated	Suggested, hinted at	Feelings, communication	“Read between the lines.”

Final Thoughts

In the world of writing and speaking, precision is power. Choosing between words like “imitated” vs “intimated” may seem minor, but these subtle distinctions can shape how your message is received and understood.

• Use “imitated” when someone copies an action, behavior, or style.
• Use “intimated” when someone hints, implies, or subtly suggests something without stating it outright.

These words may look similar, but they function in completely different ways. Mastering them shows your command over language, which matters whether you’re writing an email, a novel, or a business proposal.

In short: Know the difference. Use them wisely. Sound smarter.

FAQ

What is the main difference between “imitated” vs “intimated”?

The main difference lies in their meaning and usage:

• “Imitated” means to copy or replicate something visibly.
• “Intimated” means to hint at or communicate subtly without directly stating it.

They sound similar but have entirely different functions in a sentence.

Can “intimate” ever mean “close relationship”?

Yes, but only when used as an adjective or noun.

• As an adjective: They have an intimate friendship.
• As a noun: They are intimates of the royal family.

As a verb, “intimate” means to suggest indirectly, not to express closeness.

Is it correct to say “He intimated his boss’s behavior”?

No, that would be incorrect.
If someone is copying a boss’s behavior, use:

✅ He imitated his boss’s behavior.

If someone is hinting at something about the boss, use:

✅ He intimated that his boss was upset.

Context determines which verb fits.

Why do people confuse “imitated” vs “intimated”?

Mainly due to:

• Similar pronunciation and spelling
• Both are past-tense verbs
• A lack of exposure to the verb form of “intimate,” which is less commonly used in everyday speech

Understanding their etymology and usage examples helps clear up the confusion.

How can I remember the difference easily?

Use these simple tricks:

• “Imitate” = mirror or mimic → Think of a visible action.
• “Intimate” = hintimate → It’s about a hidden message or implication.

Associating them with mental images or phrases (like “copycat” vs “whispered hint”) helps reinforce the difference in your memory.