inimitable
English
Etymology
Borrowed from Middle French inimitable, from Latin inimitabilis, corresponding to in- + imitable.
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): /ɪnˈɪmɪtəbl̩/
Adjective
inimitable (comparative more inimitable, superlative most inimitable)
- 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 1179530046, 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.
Usage notes
Not to be confused with inimicable (“harmful, hostile”).
Derived terms
- inimitability
- inimitably
Translations
beyond imitation
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See also
- illimitable
French
Etymology
in- + imitable.
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): /i.ni.mi.tabl/
Adjective
inimitable (plural inimitables)
- unmatched, uncontestable, inimitable
Derived terms
- inimitabilité
Further reading
- “inimitable”, in Trésor de la langue française informatisé [Digitized Treasury of the French Language], 2012.
Spanish
Adjective
inimitable (plural inimitables)
- inimitable
Derived terms
- inimitablemente
Further reading
- “inimitable”, in Diccionario de la lengua española, Vigésima tercera edición, Real Academia Española, 2014