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 starts with ini like inimical enemy, meaning hostile and harmful.
Inimitable also begins with ini, but think of it as in-it for being unmatched or unparalleled, as in nothing can be in-it because it's too unique.
Remember inimical has the ms close together, which can feel like closed fists, suggesting hostility or derision.
Inimitable contains imitate, so it's a kind of word against imitation, meaning something is too good to be copied.
Picture an inimical environment as one thats unfriendly, while inimitable' personality is one-of-a-kind.