inimitable

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English[edit]

Etymology[edit]

Borrowed from Middle French inimitable, from Latin inimitabilis, corresponding to in- +‎ imitable.

Pronunciation[edit]

Adjective[edit]

inimitable (comparative more inimitable, superlative most inimitable)

  1. Beyond imitation, surpassing all others; matchless.
    Antonyms: imitable, commonplace
    • 1697, J[ohn] Evelyn, “Instructions How to Collect, and Procure such Medals as are Antique, and Rare; and to Distinguish the True from the False, for the Prevention of Frauds and Impostures”, in Numismata. A Discourse of Medals, Antient and Modern. [], London: [] Benj[amin] Tooke [], →OCLC, page 201:
      Moreover, a perfect Medal has its Profile and out-ſtroaks ſharp (Nummus aſper) and by no means rugged; the Figures clean and well poliſh'd; the Contours neatly trimm'd, and exactly round and carefully preſerv'd; that the Extancy and Relievos correſpond with the Ingraving, and have not ſuffer'd in Percuſſion; in all which, there is a certain Spirit of Antiquity and Excellency to be diſcern'd in Antient Medals almoſt inimitable.
    • 1947, Miriam Allen deFord, “Laureate of Bohemia: George Sterlin”, in They Were San Franciscans, Caldwell, Idaho: The Caxton Printers, Ltd., page 306:
      Sterling himself, though he had the most picturesque and inimitable vocabulary of vituperation, was highly squeamish about ordinary smut or profanity. He had indeed that nice-Nelliness which is often characteristic of the Don Juan type.

Usage notes[edit]

Not to be confused with inimicable (harmful, hostile).

Derived terms[edit]

Translations[edit]

See also[edit]

French[edit]

Etymology[edit]

From in- +‎ imitable.

Pronunciation[edit]

Adjective[edit]

inimitable (plural inimitables)

  1. unmatched, uncontestable, inimitable

Derived terms[edit]

Further reading[edit]

Spanish[edit]

Pronunciation[edit]

  • IPA(key): /inimiˈtable/ [i.ni.miˈt̪a.β̞le]
  • Rhymes: -able
  • Syllabification: i‧ni‧mi‧ta‧ble

Adjective[edit]

inimitable m or f (masculine and feminine plural inimitables)

  1. inimitable

Derived terms[edit]

Further reading[edit]