noun
Common
simulation
sihm-yuu-LAY-shn
Simulation (noun) means a model or reproduction of a real system or situation, used to study or predict how it behaves. Example: “Engineers built a computer simulation of the bridge to test how it would cope with heavy traffic.”
noun
1
A model or reproduction of a real system or situation, used to study or predict how it behaves.
"Engineers built a computer simulation of the bridge to test how it would cope with heavy traffic."
"Scientists ran a simulation to predict the storm's path."
"The flight simulation felt eerily realistic."
2
In sport, the act of faking a foul or injury to deceive a referee.
"The referee waved away the appeal and warned the winger about simulation."
"Fans booed the midfielder because they thought his fall was clear simulation."
"The striker was booked for simulation after diving in the penalty area."
How to use simulation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA model that recreates something real, or (in sport) faking a foul.
Common pairings
run a simulation
a computer simulation
booked for simulation
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Word forms
- Plural
- simulations
Fill the gap
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Engineers built a computer _____ of the bridge to test how it would cope with heavy traffic.
Etymology
From Latin simulatio, from simulare ("to imitate").
Synonyms
View more →
reproduction
mock-up
re-creation
emulation
representation
modeling
pretending
model
feigning
pretence
imitation
replica
Related words
Rhymes for simulation
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for simulation →
Frequently asked questions
What does “simulation” mean?
The word “simulation” means a model or reproduction of a real system or situation, used to study or predict how it behaves. In plain terms, a model that recreates something real, or (in sport) faking a foul.
How do you pronounce “simulation”?
“Simulation” is pronounced sihm-yuu-LAY-shn (/ˌsɪm.jəˈleɪ.ʃn̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “simulation” in a sentence?
Here is “simulation” used in a sentence: “Scientists ran a simulation to predict the storm's path.”
What is another word for “simulation”?
Words with a similar meaning to “simulation” include imitation and replica.
What part of speech is “simulation”?
“Simulation” is a noun.
Where does the word “simulation” come from?
The word “simulation” comes from Latin. From Latin simulatio, from simulare ("to imitate").
Is “simulation” a common word?
“Simulation” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “simulation” have?
“Simulation” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a model or reproduction of a real system or situation, used to study or predict how it behaves.
What is the difference between a simulation and a model?
A model is a simplified representation of a real system, while a simulation is the process of running that model over time to see how the system behaves. In short, you build a model and then use a simulation to put it in motion.
What is the difference between a simulation and an emulation?
A simulation imitates the behaviour of a system in order to study or predict it, without necessarily reproducing it exactly. An emulation aims to reproduce the exact function of one system on another, a distinction that matters especially in computing.
Why is simulation penalised in football?
In football, simulation means faking a foul or injury to deceive the referee into awarding an unfair advantage. Because it is an attempt to cheat, referees treat it as unsporting behaviour and usually punish the offender with a yellow card.
What is the difference between a simulation and a replica?
A replica is a static copy of an object, whereas a simulation reproduces how a system or situation behaves and changes over time. A simulation is about modelling behaviour, not just copying appearance.
