Intention vs. Mimicry: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Published on October 22, 2023
Intention refers to a mental state that represents a person's aim or plan. Mimicry involves imitating someone or something, often to deceive or entertain.
Key Differences
Intention is a psychological construct that deals with one's conscious aim or purpose in taking an action or achieving something. Mimicry, on the other hand, pertains to the act of imitating or copying the behaviors, actions, or even sounds of someone or something else. Both words can be seen as being related to actions, but they differ fundamentally: Intention deals with the ‘why’ behind the action, while Mimicry focuses on the 'how.'
In the realm of grammar, Intention is a singular, countable noun that is often paired with prepositions like "of" or "to" to specify the aim or plan. For example, "The intention of the law is to protect consumers." Mimicry is also a singular, countable noun and it usually appears in contexts that discuss imitation, as in "The mimicry of the parrot was astonishing."
Intention has more to do with cognitive processes, goals, and motivations that direct behavior. For instance, one can have the intention to quit smoking. Mimicry lacks this cognitive aspect and is more about the execution of behaviors or actions that mimic those of another individual or entity. You could mimic someone's mannerisms, but it doesn't necessarily reveal any intention.
The aspect of planning also distinguishes the two. Intentions are usually formed before taking an action and are purposeful. Mimicry can be either intentional or reflexive, often done on the spot. For example, a person might intentionally mimic a celebrity as part of a performance, or reflexively mirror someone's body language in a conversation.
Comparison Chart
Nature
Psychological construct
Behavioral act
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Grammatical Role
Singular, countable noun
Singular, countable noun
Context
Cognitive, goal-oriented
Imitative, reflective
Planning Aspect
Usually pre-planned
Can be intentional or spontaneous
Function
Explains the 'why' behind an action
Demonstrates the 'how' of an action
Intention and Mimicry Definitions
Intention
The desired outcome.
The intention of the meeting was to solve the problem.
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Mimicry
Mirror-like copying.
Social mimicry can sometimes be unconscious.
Intention
Conscious design or purpose.
The intention behind the policy was to create equality.
Mimicry
Act of imitating another.
The child's mimicry of his teacher was funny.
Intention
Mental resolve or commitment.
It was never my intention to hurt you.
Mimicry
Duplication for entertainment.
His mimicry of famous singers was spot-on.
Intention
The action or fact of intending
Are computers capable of intention?.
Mimicry
Deliberate imitation for deception.
Mimicry is commonly used in camouflage.
Intention
An aim that guides action; an objective
My intention is to learn Russian.
Mimicry
The act, practice, or art of mimicking.
Intention
Intentions Purpose with respect to marriage
She worried that his intentions were not honorable.
Mimicry
An instance of mimicking.
Intention
(Medicine) The process by which or the manner in which a wound heals.
Mimicry
(Biology) The resemblance of one organism to another or to an object in its surroundings for concealment and protection from predators.
Intention
(Archaic) Import; meaning.
Mimicry
An act or ability to simulate or effect the appearance of someone or something else.
They say that mimicry is the sincerest form of flattery, but I still think I'm being mocked when he acts just like me.
When animal mimicry goes really wrong they don't just look like something that a predator would ignore, they look like lunch.
Intention
A course of action that a person intends to follow.
My intention was to marry a wealthy widow.
It’s easy to promise anything when you have no intention of fulfilling any of it.
Mimicry
The act or practice of one who mimics; ludicrous imitation for sport or ridicule.
Intention
The goal or purpose.
The intention of this legislation is to boost the economy.
Mimicry
Protective resemblance; the resemblance which certain animals and plants exhibit to other animals and plants or to the natural objects among which they live, - a characteristic which serves as their chief means of protection against enemies; imitation; mimesis; mimetism.
Intention
(obsolete) Tension; straining, stretching.
Mimicry
The act of mimicking; imitative behavior
Intention
A stretching or bending of the mind toward an object or a purpose (an intent); closeness of application; fixedness of attention; earnestness.
Mimicry
The resemblance of an animal species to another species or to natural objects; provides concealment and protection from predators
Intention
(obsolete) The object toward which the thoughts are directed; end; aim.
Mimicry
Replication of sounds or actions.
The bird's mimicry of car alarms was annoying.
Intention
(obsolete) Any mental apprehension of an object.
Intention
(medicine) The process of the healing of a wound.
Intention
To intend.
Intention
A stretching or bending of the mind toward an object; closeness of application; fixedness of attention; earnestness.
Intention is when the mind, with great earnestness, and of choice, fixes its view on any idea.
Intention
A determination to act in a certain way or to do a certain thing; purpose; design; as, an intention to go to New York.
Hell is paved with good intentions.
Intention
The object toward which the thoughts are directed; end; aim.
In [chronical distempers], the principal intention is to restore the tone of the solid parts.
Intention
The state of being strained. See Intension.
Intention
Any mental apprehension of an object.
Intention
An anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions;
His intent was to provide a new translation
Good intentions are not enough
It was created with the conscious aim of answering immediate needs
He made no secret of his designs
Intention
(usually plural) the goal with respect to a marriage proposal;
His intentions are entirely honorable
Intention
An act of intending; a volition that you intend to carry out;
My intention changed once I saw her
Intention
A person's aim or plan.
His intention is to graduate next year.
Intention
Objective or goal.
Her intention is to complete the marathon.
FAQs
How do Intention and Mimicry differ?
Intention focuses on mental aims, while Mimicry deals with behavioral imitation.
Is Intention a countable noun?
Yes, Intention is a singular, countable noun.
What is Intention?
Intention refers to a person's aim or plan.
Can Intention be measured?
Intention is subjective but can be inferred through actions and statements.
What is Mimicry?
Mimicry involves imitating someone or something.
Is Mimicry a countable noun?
Yes, Mimicry is a singular, countable noun.
Is Mimicry always accurate?
Mimicry can vary in accuracy, depending on skill and context.
Is Mimicry always conscious?
Mimicry can be either conscious or unconscious.
Is Intention always conscious?
Typically, Intention involves a conscious aim or plan.
Can Mimicry be measured?
Mimicry is observable and can often be measured.
Do Intentions always lead to actions?
Not necessarily; people may have intentions that they never act upon.
Is Intention always positive?
Intention can be positive, neutral, or negative, depending on the aim.
What's a synonym for Mimicry?
A synonym for Mimicry is "imitation."
Is Mimicry always negative?
No, Mimicry can be positive, neutral, or negative, depending on the context.
What's a synonym for Intention?
A synonym for Intention is "purpose."
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
