“Imitated” vs “Intimated” – Understanding the Difference

Real understanding often comes through real-life examples, which help you trace their origins. This guide is valuable to any ESL learner, language nerd, or curious reader looking to navigate English’s quirks. A fresh angle helps explore how each word fits in speech or text. Though they look alike, their function is completely different. Whether you’re aiming to master usage or simply to avoid mix-ups, these subtle differences matter.

Why “Imitated” vs “Intimated” Causes Confusion

Let’s start with the obvious: these two words are near-homophones. When spoken quickly, “imitated” and “intimated” can sound almost identical. But their roots, meanings, and grammatical roles are completely unrelated.

Here’s why people mix them up:

• Similar pronunciation: Both start with “I” and end with “-ated.”
• Both are past tense verbs.
• Both relate to communication or behavior in some way.
• They’re uncommon in everyday speech, making them harder to master.

If you’ve ever found yourself second-guessing which to use, don’t worry. By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly which is right and when.

Quick Comparison: “Imitated” vs “Intimated”

Let’s get a side-by-side look at these words to clarify the distinctions.

Feature	Imitated	Intimated
Part of Speech	Verb (past tense of “imitate”)	Verb (past tense of “intimate”)
Meaning	Copied someone or something	Suggested or hinted at something indirectly
Tone	Can be playful, mocking, or respectful	Often subtle, formal, or emotionally loaded
Example	“She imitated his accent perfectly.”	“He intimated that he might resign soon.”
Common Use	Performing, satire, mimicry	Hints, subtext, delicate communication
Confusion Level	Often mistaken for “intimated” due to spelling	Often confused due to sound resemblance with “imitated”

What Does “Imitated” Mean?

The verb “imitated” is the past tense of “imitate”, which means to copy someone or something, usually by mimicking behavior, gestures, speech, or appearance.

Examples:

• “The child imitated her mother by putting on lipstick.”
• “He imitated the teacher’s voice for a joke.”

This action could be:

• Playful (a child copying a parent),
• Admiring (a student following a mentor’s style),
• Or mocking (a comedian impersonating a celebrity).

Common Synonyms for “Imitated”:

• Copied
• Mimicked
• Emulated
• Parodied
• Simulated

Etymology and History of “Imitate”

Imitate comes from the Latin word imitari, meaning “to copy or mimic.”

Here’s a historical timeline of its evolution:

Language	Word	Meaning
Latin	imitari	To mimic or simulate
Old French	imiter	Copy or reproduce
English (14th c.)	imitate	To follow or replicate

Throughout history, imitation has been viewed as both a form of flattery and a tool for satire. In art and literature, it’s often used to reflect, exaggerate, or comment on cultural norms.

Understanding the Related Forms of “Imitate”

The verb has several related forms, each carrying its own usage and nuance.

1. Imitation (noun)

Refers to the act of copying something.

“The imitation of classical architecture is common in neoclassical design.”

2. Imitative (adjective)

Describes something that imitates.

“Her style was imitative rather than original.”

Real-World Examples of “Imitated” in Context

Let’s explore how “imitated” shows up across industries and everyday life:

In Comedy

• “He imitated Elvis so well the crowd erupted.”

In Education

• “Children often learn by imitating adults.”

In Tech

• “The AI imitated human writing patterns convincingly.”

In Art

• “The painting imitated Van Gogh’s brushwork.”

Quote:

“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” – Charles Caleb Colton

What Does “Intimated” Mean?

The verb “intimated” is the past tense of “intimate” (as a verb), which means to suggest, hint, or express something subtly or indirectly.

Unlike “imitated,” which is usually external and visible, “intimated” is internal and often emotional or strategic.

Examples:

• “She intimated she wasn’t happy with the decision.”
• “He intimated a future promotion, but didn’t confirm it.”

This verb is common in formal, diplomatic, or emotionally complex communication.

Etymology and History of “Intimate”

“Intimate” comes from the Latin word intimare, meaning “to make known or announce.” Interestingly, it also shares roots with intimus, meaning “inmost” or “most personal.”

Language	Word	Meaning
Latin	intimare	To announce, declare
Latin	intimus	Closest, most inner
English	intimate	To suggest subtly (verb); close or private (adj)

So this word developed two branches:

• Verb – “To hint, suggest indirectly”
• Adjective – “Close, personal, emotionally deep”

How “Intimated” Works in Modern English

Use Cases

• Subtle communication
• Emotional implications
• Political messaging
• Business conversations

Example:

• “The CEO intimated a possible merger but avoided specifics.”

Tone and Nuance

• Not direct
• Often strategic or emotional
• Requires reading between the lines

The Adjective Form: “Intimate” in Relationships

Outside its verbal use, “intimate” is more commonly used as an adjective – to describe closeness, privacy, or emotional connection.

Examples:

• “They are in an intimate relationship.”
• “She shared intimate details about her past.”

This version is not related to “intimated” in meaning but adds to the confusion due to shared spelling and sound.

Synonyms of “Intimate” (Adj):

• Close
• Personal
• Private
• Familiar

Common Mistakes: Imitated vs Intimated

Many people confuse these two verbs because of:

• Phonetic overlap
• Similar suffixes
• Different meanings not immediately obvious

Mistake Examples and Corrections

Incorrect Sentence	Corrected Version
He imitated that he wanted to leave early.	He intimated that he wanted to leave early.
She intimated her favorite actor’s style.	She imitated her favorite actor’s style.

Memory Tricks to Remember the Difference

Here are some easy ways to lock the meanings into your brain:

Mnemonic Devices:

• Imitate = I’M copying
• Intimate = IN-tone hint

Visualization:

• Imagine a parrot copying someone (imitating).
• Picture a politician dropping subtle clues (intimating).

Examples from Pop Culture, Business, and Politics

“Imitated” in Pop Culture

• Parodies of celebrities on Saturday Night Live
• TikTok trends mimicking dances or voices

“Intimated” in News & Politics

• A politician intimates plans without making promises
• CEOs intimate layoffs in corporate memos

Using “Imitated” and “Intimated” Correctly

Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

Situation	Use “Imitated”	Use “Intimated”
Copying behavior or style	✅ Yes	❌ No
Suggesting something subtly	❌ No	✅ Yes
Artistic performance	✅ Yes	❌ No
Expressing closeness	❌ No	✅ (if using “intimate” adj)
Giving a direct statement	❌ Not typically	✅ But in a soft, indirect way

Tips to Avoid Confusion in Writing

• Double-check your intended meaning.
• Read the sentence aloud – does it imply or copy?
• Replace the word with a synonym and see if it still makes sense.
• Use a grammar tool or editor to verify usage.

Language Mastery: Why It Matters

Words like “imitated” and “intimated” are more than grammar trivia. They reflect precision, tone, and intent in communication. Mastering them will:

• Elevate your writing clarity
• Avoid miscommunication
• Help you write with more emotional intelligence

Whether you’re sending emails, writing fiction, or crafting business reports, word choice makes the difference between sounding vague or sounding brilliant.

Final Thoughts

Navigating the difference between “imitated” and “intimated” might seem minor, but it plays a big role in achieving clarity and precision in your communication. These two verbs, though similar in appearance and sound, express completely different ideas.

So the next time you write or speak, pause and reflect: Are you imitating someone – or intimating something?

Choose wisely, and your words will not only be understood – they’ll resonate.

FAQs

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

“Imitated” means to copy or mimic someone’s behavior or style. “Intimated” means to subtly suggest or hint at something without stating it directly. One is external and visual; the other is internal and indirect.

Can “intimated” be used in casual conversations?

Yes, but it’s more common in formal or written English. In casual speech, people might use “hinted” or “suggested” instead. Still, “intimated” adds elegance and precision when used correctly in everyday language.

Is “imitated” always used negatively?

Not at all. “Imitated” can be positive, neutral, or negative depending on tone and context. For example, imitation can express admiration (flattering someone) or mockery (satire). It’s all about how and why it’s used.

How can I remember the meaning of “intimated”?

Try associating it with the word “hint.” “Intimated” means you’re giving a hint or implying something without being direct. A helpful mnemonic: “In-Tone-Imply”  –  you’re implying something in tone, not words.

Is “intimate” related to “intimated”?

Yes. Both come from the Latin root “intimare,” meaning to make known. “Intimate” as an adjective means close or personal. “Intimated” as a verb means to subtly suggest. They share a root but have distinct meanings.