verb C2 Proficient Uncommon

emulate

EHM-yuu-layt

Emulate (verb) means to try to match or surpass someone by copying their behaviour or achievements. Example: “The younger players tried to emulate their captain's work rate.”

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verb

To try to match or surpass someone by copying their behaviour or achievements.

"The younger players tried to emulate their captain's work rate."

"She hoped to emulate her mentor's success in the industry."

Of a computer program or device: to reproduce the function of another system.

"The software can emulate an old games console on a modern PC."

How to use emulate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo copy someone or something you admire, trying to be just as good.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with imitate — emulate carries a sense of trying to equal or beat, not just copy.

Common pairings

emulate a role model emulate success emulate a device

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

more emulate comparative, emulated past tense, emulates singular, most emulate superlative

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The younger players tried to _____ their captain's work rate.

Etymology

From Latin aemulari, "to rival or strive to equal," related to aemulus ("rival").

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for emulate

ate date rate mate fate abate slate plate state grate create update

See all rhymes for emulate →

Frequently asked questions

What does “emulate” mean?

The word “emulate” means to try to match or surpass someone by copying their behaviour or achievements. In plain terms, to copy someone or something you admire, trying to be just as good.

How do you pronounce “emulate”?

“Emulate” is pronounced EHM-yuu-layt (/ˈɛm.jə.leɪt/ in IPA).

How do you use “emulate” in a sentence?

Here is “emulate” used in a sentence: “The younger players tried to emulate their captain's work rate.”

What part of speech is “emulate”?

“Emulate” is a verb.

Where does the word “emulate” come from?

The word “emulate” comes from Latin. From Latin aemulari, "to rival or strive to equal," related to aemulus ("rival").

Is “emulate” a common word?

“Emulate” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.

How many meanings does “emulate” have?

“Emulate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to try to match or surpass someone by copying their behaviour or achievements.