An imitation is something that is not real but that appears to be real. An imitation Hermes bag is not truly Hermes, instead it is a knockoff designed to look like the authentic Hermes product. It is said that imitation is one of the most sincere forms of flattery, because if someone likes something enough to imitate it then it shows their feelings run deep. Imitation quotes can be found covering everything from imitation food to fashion designers to perfumes. New Yorkers often buy imitation products out on the street, these consumers know that they are not getting the real deal but appearances can be everything in the big apple. An imitation can be a positive thing or something negative, depending on the circumstances.