English Reference
noun

sim

n.
US /ˈsɪm/ sim

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate Informal Computing

    a computer program or machine that copies real-life situations, like flying a plane or racing a car.

    a clipping of 'simulation' or 'simulator', referring to a virtual environment or hardware used for training or entertainment.

    Simple

    The pilot spent four hours in the flight sim to practice landing in a storm.

    In context

    Advanced racing sims require high-end hardware to accurately replicate the physics of tire grip and aerodynamic downforce.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate Informal Computing

    a virtual person in the popular video game series 'The Sims'.

    a character within the life-simulation video game franchise 'The Sims', often used to describe the AI-driven inhabitants of that virtual world.

    Simple

    My sim finally got a promotion at her virtual job today.

    In context

    The player spent hours customizing the appearance and personality traits of their sim before starting the new game session.


Etymology 1

From Middle English Sym, diminutive of Simeon and Simon.

Etymology 2

Borrowed from Hokkien 沈 (Sím) or Teochew 沈 (sim2).

Etymology 3

Borrowed from Korean 심(沈) (Sim).

Etymology 4

From the title of The Sims, which most likely came from clipping of simulation, as The Sims, SimCity, and related franchises are simulation games; compare sim (“simulator, simulation”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Middle English Sym
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated