Word
simulate
Phoneticssim·u·late, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsɪmjəˌɫeɪt/
UK/sˈɪmjʊlˌeɪt/
Definition
v. to create a model or a copy of something to see how it works. You often do this on a computer to test a situation without doing it in real life.
v. to imitate the appearance or character of a process or system, typically for the purpose of study or training. Often involves the use of a mathematical or computer model to predict real-world outcomes.
Examples
“Scientists use computers to simulate the weather.”
“The flight software can simulate various emergency scenarios to help pilots practice their response times.”
“By using advanced algorithms to simulate the structural stresses on the bridge, engineers identified potential points of failure before the first stone was even laid.”
Examples
simple
“Scientists use computers to simulate the weather.”
contextual
“The flight software can simulate various emergency scenarios to help pilots practice their response times.”
complex
“By using advanced algorithms to simulate the structural stresses on the bridge, engineers identified potential points of failure before the first stone was even laid.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “simulate” in context.
Verb
01. accurately simulate the conditions
“The laboratory was designed to accurately simulate the conditions found on the lunar surface.”
adv + verb + noun
02. simulate a flight in a cockpit
“The software allows trainees to simulate a flight in a cockpit without leaving the ground.”
verb + noun + prep + noun
03. simulate the effects of gravity
“Centrifuges are used to simulate the effects of gravity on pilots during high-speed maneuvers.”
verb + noun + of + noun
Noun
04. attempt to simulate the results
“Their attempt to simulate the results of the experiment failed due to a lack of processing power.”
noun + infinitive
05. software to simulate the process
“The engineers developed custom software to simulate the process of heat distribution in the engine.”
noun + infinitive
Adverb
06. closely simulate the real world
“Modern video games use advanced physics engines to closely simulate the real world.”
adv + verb + noun
07. digitally simulate the environment
“Architects can now digitally simulate the environment to see how sunlight hits the building throughout the day.”
adv + verb + noun
Usage
The verb is transitive and requires a direct object representing the system or condition being imitated.
Pitfall
The program simulates to a real flight.
The program simulates a real flight.
Simulate is a transitive verb and does not take the preposition 'to' before its object.
Real-World Examples
“As an actor I was simulating these experiences and I went home every night, whereas the real participants are in an 18-month program and the work and recovery is never done.” “To test their idea, the researchers built a model simulating Cygnus X-3 as a continuous source, spraying high-energy protons into space for hundreds of thousands of years.” “A computer simulates this process of making spoken words.” “I used the Python Pillow library to simulate data loss from repeated sharing and downloading at a vastly accelerated rate.” Etymology
First attested in 1652; Borrowed from Latin simulātus, perfect passive participle of simulō (“make like, imitate, copy, represent, feign”) (see -ate (verb-forming suffix)), from similis (“like”). See similar.
First attested in c. 1425, in Middle English; inherited from Middle English symulat(e), simulat(e), similat(e) (“feigned; similar”), borrowed from Latin simulātus, see -ate (adjective-forming suffix) and Etymology 1 for more.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
- 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 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/simulate