noun
impersonator
im-PUR-suh-nay-ter/ɪmˈpɜːrsəneɪtər/
Someone who imitates another person's appearance, voice, or manner.
The stage impersonator copies the fictional general shown in the portrait.
Etymology
The agent ending names someone who assumes another person's character. The entertainment sense—imitating another's manners and speech—perhaps developed from theatrical impersonation, where performers embodied a character on stage.
In context
I instructed our impersonator to keep a low profile at first and order whatever dish he felt the real Michael Richards would have
More examples
- The impersonator copies the mayor's voice perfectly.
- Several celebrity impersonators pose for photos with tourists.
- An impersonator uses her name and appearance to fool her clients.
Forms
impersonator · impersonators
impersonate verb — Imitate another person's voice, appearance, or manner.
impersonation noun — An imitation of someone's voice, appearance, or manner.
Similar words
- imitator
- May copy someone's work or behavior without portraying that person.
- impressionist
- Usually recreates a public figure's voice and mannerisms for entertainment.