mimic; parrot; gossip
Meanings
3 senses · 9 examplesverb
to mimic speech; to parrot words
Typically describes young children learning to speak by imitating adults, or birds mimicking human speech.
The little granddaughter is only two years old and can already mimic speech.
This child likes to parrot whatever adults say.
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Parrots are good at mimicking and can imitate various sounds.
verb
to parrot others without independent thought; to echo
Metaphorical usage often carrying a derogatory connotation. Commonly appears in the idiom 鹦鹉学舌.
He's just parroting others with no original insights of his own.
When writing articles, one must have their own views and not always echo others.
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A parrot mimics speech but does not understand the meaning.
verb
to blab; to gossip; to tell tales
informalColloquial usage referring to being unable to keep secrets or repeating what one hears, often with negative connotations.
This guy has a loose tongue and likes to blab, so don't tell him everything.
Children tell tales, spreading family matters everywhere.
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People who gossip in the office are not well-liked.