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pantomime

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: //ˈpæn.tə.maɪm//

KK: /ˈpæn.tə.maɪm/

intransitive verb
Definition

To communicate or express ideas through gestures and body movements without using words.


Example

During the performance, the actor chose to pantomime his character's emotions instead of speaking.


Tense Forms

Past: pantomimed

Past Participle: pantomimed


Conversation
Sloth A
I love how some people can pantomime so well at parties.
Sloth B
Yeah, it's amazing how they can communicate without words.
Sloth A
I wish I could pantomime like that; it looks like so much fun!
Sloth B
You should try it! It’s a great way to express yourself.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
mime
gesture
act
Antonyms
speak
verbalize
communicate
noun
Definition

A type of theatrical performance that tells a story without using words, often involving gestures, music, and dance. It is commonly associated with children's entertainment during Christmas in Britain, featuring familiar characters and stories.


Example

The children enjoyed the pantomime at the theater, filled with laughter and music.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you ever see a pantomime when you were a kid?
Sloth B
Yeah, I loved them! They were so entertaining and funny.
Sloth A
I remember the last one I watched had such great music and dancing.
Sloth B
transitive verb
Definition

To express or convey a story or message through gestures and movements without using words.


Example

The actor pantomimed the story so well that everyone understood it without any dialogue.


Tense Forms

Past: pantomimed

Past Participle: pantomimed


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you see how she could pantomime that whole story without saying a word?
Sloth B
Yeah, it was impressive! I could almost follow along with just her gestures.
Sloth A
I think it’s such a cool skill to have, especially for acting.
Root Explanation

Pantomime → It is formed from "pan-" (meaning all) and "mimos" (meaning imitator or actor). The word describes a performance where an actor imitates or represents all actions without spoken words, conveying meaning through gestures and expressions.

Memory Tip

Think of an actor who represents 'all' ('pan-') actions through imitation ('mimos') — that's why pantomime is a form of performance art.

Visually Confused Words
phantomize
phantomlike
phantomizer
Is this page helpful?
Same here! It really brought the story to life without any words.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
mime
performance
skit
Antonyms
dialogue
speech
monologue
Sloth B
Definitely! I’d love to learn how to pantomime like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
gesture
mime
act
Antonyms
ignore
neglect
overlook