Inimical-Inimitable | Commonly Confused Words

Inimical

/ɪˈnɪmɪkəl/

Something harmful or opposed to something else

The policy was inimical to fostering innovation.His inimical glance sent shivers down her spine.They harbored inimical feelings toward the newcomers.

/ɪˈnɪmətəbəl/

Used to describe someone or something that is so special or unusual it cannot be copied

Her style of dress was truly inimitable.An inimitable talent, he transformed the stage.The inimitable laugh echoed in the corridor.

Inimical and inimitable look similar but have very different meanings.
Inimical has a negative connotation, as it refers to something harmful or hostile, much like an enemy.
Inimitable describes something that is unique or cannot be imitated, highlighting its exceptional nature.
Remember that inimical contains mical, sounding like menacing, which can remind you of danger.
Inimitable starts with inim-, which can remind you of imitate, but with a negative meaning (impossible to imitate).