noun
impression
An imitation of someone's voice or manner, often for humor.
Her impression of the mayor makes everyone at dinner laugh.
Etymology
The Latin root concerns making an impression by pressure. The performance sense uses the resulting likeness or recognizable image for an imitation of another person.
More examples
- He does a convincing impression of his grandfather's gravelly voice.
- The comedian's impressions of famous actors are always a hit.
- My sister includes my nervous laugh in her impression of me.
Forms
impression · impressions
impressionist noun — A performer who imitates people's voices and mannerisms.
Similar words
- imitation
- Broader term for copying people, things, sounds, or actions.
- impersonation
- Can involve assuming someone's identity rather than entertaining an audience.
- mimicry
- Emphasizes copying particular sounds or behaviors, not necessarily a performance.