Make Your Point > Archived Issues > IMITABLE

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"IMITABLE" Pronunciation: IM it uh bull Part of speech: Adjective. (Adjectives are describing words, like “large” or “late.” They can be used in two ways: 1. Right before a noun, as in “an imitable style.” 2. After a linking verb, as in "The style was imitable.”) Meaning: Something imitable is able to be imitated or worthy of being imitated. In other words, something imitable can be copied or is so good that it's worthy of being copied. The opposite, "inimitable," is also really useful, so let's take a look at both throughout this issue. Something inimitable ("in IM it uh bull") is so good that it's impossible to copy it. (Take note that "inimitable" does not mean "unworthy of being copied," like you might guess if you were asked to define the opposite of "imitable." Instead, "inimitable" means "so good that you can't copy it.") Other forms: imitability/imitableness, inimitably, inimitability/inimitableness How to use it: You'll notice plenty of crossover in the following two lists, because whatever is worthy of being imitated might also, in another context, be considered so good that it can't be imitated! So, imitable things you might talk about include processes, systems, standards, methods, services, styles, manners, experiences, behaviors, and so on. Inimitable things could be talents, people, voices, styles, flair, experiences, products, art, writing, etc. The concept of the free, ad-supported app is so simple and imitable that it's actually become hard to wade through everything available to find something worth downloading. I thought Elton John's style and voice were inimitable until I heard the song "Angels" by Robbie Williams. Surely it was written as a tribute to Elton? Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "imitable" means when you can explain it without saying “copyable" or "excellent." Think of something special you love, such as a food, a musician, or a city, and fill in the blanks: "_____ is/are an inimitable blend of _____ and _____." Example: "Craftsman style homes are an inimitable blend of grandeur and whimsy." Spend at least 20 seconds occupying your mind with the game and quote below. Then try the review questions. Don’t go straight to the review now—let your working memory empty out first. Playing With Words: Our game for July is called A Verbal Tour of the US. I’ll ask you a trivia question each day this month about the names of US cities, states, geographic features, etc. Try it out each day, and see the right answer the next day. Happy verbal trails to you! From yesterday:  This state’s name literally means “green mountain,” but according to at least one source, it was named with the two word roots in the wrong order. What state is it? Answer: Vermont, if it were named according to the grammar rules of French, where the roots came from, would properly be called Mont Vert. But this is America and we do it our way, gosh darn it. Try this one today: The name of this million-year-old dormant volcano, snow-topped in the winter, means “White Mountain” in Hawaiian, and it’s home to the beautifully-named Palila, ‘Amakihi, and ‘I‘iwi. What kind of creatures are these, and what is the name of the mountain? A Point Well Made: Marc Riboud: “Taking pictures is savoring life intensely, every hundredth of a second.” 1. Of course, IMITABLE's direct opposite is INIMITABLE. Another opposite of IMITABLE is A. FRUSTRATING B. INADEQUATE C. OPTIMISTIC 2. Many have tried, but none can truly _____ Hemingway's inimitable style. A. pinpoint B. appreciate C. replicate Answers are below. To be a sponsor and send your own message to readers of this list, please contact Liesl at Liesl@HiloTutor.com. Make Your Point is crafted with love and brought to you each day for free by Mrs. Liesl Johnson, M.Ed., a word lover, learning enthusiast, and private tutor of reading and writing in the verdant little town of Hilo, Hawaii. For writing tips, online learning, essay guidance, and more, please visit www.HiloTutor.com. Disclaimer: Word meanings presented here are expressed in plain language and are limited to common, useful applications only. Readers interested in authoritative and multiple definitions of words are encouraged to check a dictionary. Likewise, word meanings, usage, and pronunciations are limited to American English; these elements may vary across world Englishes. Answers to review questions: 1. B 2. C