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REFERENCE

simulation

n.
US //ˌsɪmjəˈɫeɪʃən// UK //sˌɪmjʊlˈeɪʃən// sim·u·la·tion
  1. 1 a model or test (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic Science

    a model of a real situation, often on a computer, used to see what might happen.

    a computer model or mathematical representation of a system used to predict or analyse behaviour.

    Example

    The pilots spent hours in a flight simulation to prepare for the storm.

    Example

    The research team ran a complex computer simulation to determine how the new bridge would react to extreme wind speeds.

    Usage

    Often used with 'run' or 'perform'.
  2. 2 a realistic video game (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Computing

    a type of video game that tries to copy real-life activities like driving or flying.

    a genre of video game designed to mimic real-world activities with a high degree of technical accuracy.

    Example

    He enjoys playing a racing simulation because the car handling feels very real.

    Example

    Modern flight simulations offer such high fidelity that they are frequently used as supplementary tools for student pilots.
    • arcade game
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  1. 3 faking a foul (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Sport

    the act of pretending to be tripped or hurt in a game to trick the referee.

    the act of feigning a fall or injury in order to deceive an official into awarding a foul or penalty.

    Example

    The player received a yellow card for simulation after falling in the penalty area.

    Example

    The referee was praised for his ability to distinguish between a genuine foul and a clever piece of simulation by the striker.

    Usage

    Commonly used in professional football (soccer) contexts.
  2. 4 pretending or feigning (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Formal Literary

    the act of pretending to have a feeling or a physical condition.

    the act of feigning or assuming a false appearance; a deceptive imitation of a state or quality.

    Example

    Her smile was a mere simulation of happiness to hide her true feelings.

    Example

    The spy's successful simulation of a local merchant allowed him to move through the city without drawing any suspicion from the guards.
Origin

First attested in 1340 as Middle English symulacioun, from Middle French simulation, from Old French simulation/simulacion, from Latin simulātiōnem, from simulō (“imitate”). Morphologically simulate + -ion.

Word family
  • Nounsim
  • Nounsimulation

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