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verb

emulate

EHM-yuu-layt
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 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

Word Forms

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

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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

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial