Word
emulate
Phoneticsem·u·late, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɛmjəˌɫeɪt/
UK/ˈɛmjʊlˌeɪt/
Definitions
01to imitate a person
C1 · Advanced Formal
v. to try to do something as well as someone else because you admire them.
v. to strive to equal or excel, especially through imitation of a person's achievements or qualities.
“Many young artists try to emulate the style of their favorite painters.”
“The junior partner sought to emulate her mentor's rigorous approach to case preparation and client relations.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.
Teaching tip
Often used in professional or inspirational contexts; it implies a higher level of respect than 'copy'.
02computing
C1 · Advanced Computing Technical
v. to make one computer or piece of software act like a different one so it can run the same programs.
v. to imitate the function of another system, such as a hardware device or software program, by means of a different system.
“You can use this software to emulate an old game console on your laptop.”
“The new operating system includes a layer to emulate legacy hardware, ensuring that mission-critical applications remain functional during the transition.”
Usage
Commonly used in the context of running legacy software on modern hardware.
Real-World Examples
“Amy said she was going to do it - and she did."
Hunt held her arms aloft and pointed to the sky as she emulated Asher-Smith's 100m-200m European double in 2018.” “One option is to emulate the Keighley model, and open walk-in clinics in vacant retail units.” Etymology
First attested in 1586; borrowed from Latin aemulātus, perfect active participle of Latin aemulor (“to rival, emulate”), see -ate (verb-forming suffix) and -ate (adjective-forming suffix).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/emulate