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.”
verb
1
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."
2
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 notesIn 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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Word forms
- Third person singular
- emulates
- Past tense
- emulated
- Comparative
- more emulate
- Superlative
- most emulate
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").
Rhymes for emulate
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.
