impersonator
impersonator Lexical Profile
impersonator Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An entertainer who copies the voice, mannerisms, and appearance of famous people to amuse an audience.
"The comedy club hired a talented celebrity impersonator for the weekend shows."
A person who fraudulently pretends to be someone else in order to deceive others.
"Security guards quickly realized that the man claiming to be a federal inspector was an impersonator."
Word Nuance & Usage
While 'impersonator' and 'impostor' overlap in fraudulent contexts, 'impersonator' frequently refers neutrally or positively to a comedic entertainer who mimics celebrities, whereas 'impostor' always carries a negative connotation of deception.
• Rhymes for impersonator
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in English in the mid-19th century as an agent noun from the verb 'impersonate', which derives from the Latin prefix 'in-' (into) and 'persona' (actor's mask or character).