copy vs imitate

copy is a noun but imitate is not a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
copy	Yes	No	Yes	No
imitate	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, copy and imitate are synonyms defined as:

Other synonyms of copy include simulate.

As verbs, imitate is a hyponym of copy; that is, imitate is a word with a more specific, narrower meaning than copy:

Other hyponyms of copy include manifold, multiply, trace, back up, hectograph, clone, mimeo, mimeograph, roneo.

copy (noun)	imitate (noun)
a thing made to be similar or identical to another thing
a reproduction of a written record (e.g. of a legal or school record)
matter to be printed; exclusive of graphical materials
material suitable for a journalistic account

copy (verb)	imitate (verb)
reproduce someone's behavior or looks	reproduce someone's behavior or looks
make a replica of	make a reproduction or copy of
reproduce or make an exact copy of	appear like, as in behavior or appearance
copy down as is