In the following question, out of the four given alternatives, select the one which best expresses the meaning of the given word: Imitate.

Introduction / Context:
This is a vocabulary question that asks for a synonym of the verb imitate. Such questions are common in competitive exams to check whether you know precise meanings and can distinguish between words that might look similar but are actually unrelated. Here you must pick the word that most closely matches the idea of copying someone or something.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target word: imitate.
• Options: Reverse, Ape, Clash, Repulse.
• We need the option that is nearest in meaning to imitate in ordinary English usage.
• Imitate can mean to copy someone's actions, speech or style, sometimes in order to learn or sometimes to mock.

Concept / Approach:
To imitate is to copy or mimic the behaviour, appearance or speech of another person, animal or thing. Ape, as a verb, also means to copy or mimic, often in an exaggerated or silly way. Reverse means to turn something the other way around or move backwards. Clash describes conflict or a loud metallic noise. Repulse means to drive back or disgust. Among the given options, only ape captures the copying aspect of imitate.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Recall the meaning of imitate: to do something in the same way as someone else, often by copying their mannerisms, style or actions.Check Ape: as a verb, it means to mimic or copy somebody, often without understanding, which is very close to imitate.Check Reverse: it deals with direction or order, not copying behaviour.Check Clash: it refers to a disagreement or a harsh sound, unrelated to imitation.Check Repulse: it refers to driving back or causing disgust, which is also unrelated.Therefore, Ape is the correct synonym for imitate in this question.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider example sentences:“Children often imitate their parents.”“Children often ape their parents.”Both sentences describe children copying the behaviour of their parents. While ape can carry a slightly negative or mocking tone, the core meaning of copying remains the same. If we replace imitate with reverse, clash or repulse, the sentences become meaningless. This confirms that ape is the closest match to imitate.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Reverse focuses on changing direction or order and has nothing to do with copying another person. Clash usually describes conflict, disagreement or a harsh sound and does not involve imitation. Repulse is about pushing someone away or causing strong dislike. None of these words shares the central meaning of imitate, which is copying behaviour, style or action.

Common Pitfalls:
Some test takers may be misled by the informal tone of ape and think it is less suitable for a formal exam. However, competitive exams often use such verbs precisely because they want to test nuanced understanding. It is useful to remember that ape can be both a noun (the animal) and a verb (to copy). Linking imitate with ape in your memory will help you answer similar synonym questions correctly and quickly.

Final Answer:
The word that best expresses the meaning of “Imitate” is Ape.