Intention vs. Mimicry: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || 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.'
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2023
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."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2023
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.
Janet White
Oct 22, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Function
Explains the 'why' behind an action
Demonstrates the 'how' of an action
Harlon Moss
Oct 22, 2023
Intention and Mimicry Definitions
Intention
The desired outcome.
The intention of the meeting was to solve the problem.
Sara Rehman
Sep 19, 2023
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Intention
Conscious design or purpose.
The intention behind the policy was to create equality.
Janet White
Sep 19, 2023
Mimicry
Act of imitating another.
The child's mimicry of his teacher was funny.
Janet White
Sep 19, 2023
Intention
Mental resolve or commitment.
It was never my intention to hurt you.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
Mimicry
Duplication for entertainment.
His mimicry of famous singers was spot-on.
Harlon Moss
Sep 19, 2023
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Intention
The action or fact of intending
Are computers capable of intention?.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Mimicry
Deliberate imitation for deception.
Mimicry is commonly used in camouflage.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
Intention
An aim that guides action; an objective
My intention is to learn Russian.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Intention
Intentions Purpose with respect to marriage
She worried that his intentions were not honorable.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Intention
(Medicine) The process by which or the manner in which a wound heals.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Mimicry
(Biology) The resemblance of one organism to another or to an object in its surroundings for concealment and protection from predators.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Mimicry
The act or practice of one who mimics; ludicrous imitation for sport or ridicule.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Intention
The goal or purpose.
The intention of this legislation is to boost the economy.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Intention
A stretching or bending of the mind toward an object or a purpose (an intent); closeness of application; fixedness of attention; earnestness.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Mimicry
The resemblance of an animal species to another species or to natural objects; provides concealment and protection from predators
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Intention
(obsolete) The object toward which the thoughts are directed; end; aim.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Mimicry
Replication of sounds or actions.
The bird's mimicry of car alarms was annoying.
Sara Rehman
Sep 19, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Intention
(usually plural) the goal with respect to a marriage proposal;
His intentions are entirely honorable
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Intention
An act of intending; a volition that you intend to carry out;
My intention changed once I saw her
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
FAQs
How do Intention and Mimicry differ?
Intention focuses on mental aims, while Mimicry deals with behavioral imitation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2023
Can Intention be measured?
Intention is subjective but can be inferred through actions and statements.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 22, 2023
Is Mimicry always accurate?
Mimicry can vary in accuracy, depending on skill and context.
Sara Rehman
Oct 22, 2023
Is Intention always conscious?
Typically, Intention involves a conscious aim or plan.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 22, 2023
Do Intentions always lead to actions?
Not necessarily; people may have intentions that they never act upon.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 22, 2023
Is Intention always positive?
Intention can be positive, neutral, or negative, depending on the aim.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2023
Is Mimicry always negative?
No, Mimicry can be positive, neutral, or negative, depending on the context.
Harlon Moss
Oct 22, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
