Langimage
English

mimickingly

|mim-ick-ing-ly|

C2

/ˈmɪmɪk/

(mimic)

imitation

Base FormPlural3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent ParticipleNounAdjectiveAdverb
mimicmimicsmimicsmimickedmimickedmimickingmimicrymimickingmimickingly
Etymology
Etymology Information

'mimickingly' ultimately traces back to Greek, specifically the word 'mimos', where 'mimos' meant 'imitator' or 'actor'.

Historical Evolution

'mimos' passed into Latin as 'mimicus' and into Old French as 'mimique'; from these came Middle English 'mimic', which produced forms such as 'mimicking' and the adverbial form 'mimickingly' in later English.

Meaning Changes

Initially it referred to 'an imitator' or 'actor' (one who mimics); over time the verb sense 'to imitate' developed, and the adverbial sense evolved to 'in an imitative (often mocking) manner', which is the modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adverb 1

in an imitative manner; by copying or echoing someone or something

She tapped her pen mimickingly after hearing his rhythm.

Synonyms

imitativelycopyingly

Antonyms

Adverb 2

in a mocking or derisive way that imitates to ridicule

He grinned mimickingly at her attempt, making her blush.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/12/08 02:57