I. ˈpərs ə nə̇t, - ə nˌāt adjective
Etymology: Latin personatus masked, counterfeited, from persona mask + -atus -ate — more at person
1.
a. archaic : personated, feigned , counterfeit
b. : masked , disguised ; especially : having a form differing from the typical adult form
a personate larva
c. of a bilabiate corolla : having the throat nearly closed by a palate ; also : having such a corolla
a personate flower
2. obsolete : having personality or personal existence : embodied in a person
II. ˈpərs ə nˌāt, ˈpə̄s, ˈpəis-, usu -ād.+V verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: person + -ate
transitive verb
1. : to impersonate or represent as an actor, pretender, or masquerader : act the part of : pretend or represent oneself to be
I do not personate the stage-play emperor to entrap applause — John Keats
2. : personalize: as
a. : to invest with personality or with personal characteristics : represent as a person
in fable, hymn, or song, so personating their gods ridiculous, and themselves past shame — John Milton
b. : to serve as a representative, embodiment, or symbol of : typify
3. : to give the appearance of possessing (as a quality, emotion) : feign
4.
a. : to give an imitation of (as a person's manner or speech) : mimic
b. : to pretend without authority to be : create a wrongful appearance of being (someone other than oneself whether fictitious or real) : assume without authority and with criminal or fraudulent intent (some character or capacity)
personate an officer of the law
intransitive verb
: to play or assume a character