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Definition of impersonate

impersonate

/ɪmˈpɜːr.sə.neɪt/
im · per · son · ate
Past Simple:impersonated
•
Past Participle:impersonated
•
Present Participle:impersonating
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impersonate Lexical Profile

impersonate Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To act the part or character of someone on stage or in film.

Example

"In the historical drama, the veteran actor was chosen to impersonate the late monarch."

2

To pretend to be another person, especially for entertainment or to deceive others.

Example

"The comedian can impersonate several famous politicians with remarkable accuracy."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for impersonate

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'impersonate' (to pretend to be a specific person, often for entertainment or fraud) with 'personify' (to represent an abstract quality in human form, or to exemplify a trait).

• Rhymes for impersonate

• Nearby Words

impermissible
impersonal
impersonally
impersonate
impersonation
impersonator
impertinence

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 17th century from the prefix 'im-' (into) and Latin 'persona' (mask or character), originally meaning to invest with a personality or represent in bodily form.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Impersonate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/impersonate
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