emulate

[ verb em-yuh-leyt; adjective em-yuh-lit ]

verb (used with object)

emulated, emulating.

1. to try to equal or excel; imitate with effort to equal or surpass:

   to emulate one's father as a concert violinist.

   Synonyms: copy, follow

2. to rival with some degree of success:

   Some smaller cities now emulate the major capitals in their cultural offerings.

3. Computers.
   1. to imitate (a particular computer system) by using a software system, often including a microprogram or another computer that enables it to do the same work, run the same programs, etc., as the first.
   2. to replace (software) with hardware to perform the same task.

adjective

1. Obsolete. emulous.

emulate

/ ˈɛmjʊˌleɪt /

verb

1. to attempt to equal or surpass, esp by imitation
2. to rival or compete with
3. to make one computer behave like (another different type of computer) so that the imitating system can operate on the same data and execute the same programs as the imitated system

Derived Forms

• ˈemuˌlator, noun
• ˈemulatively, adverb
• ˈemulative, adjective

Other Word Forms

• em·u·la·tive adjective
• em·u·la·tive·ly adverb
• em·u·la·tor noun
• non·em·u·la·tive adjective
• o·ver·em·u·late verb (used with object) overemulated overemulating
• un·em·u·la·tive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of emulate¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from Latin aemulātus, past participle of aemulārī “to rival”; emulous, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of emulate¹

C16: from Latin aemulārī, from aemulus competing with; probably related to imitārī to imitate

Example Sentences

"Which is something the UK version obviously won't be able to emulate."

From BBC

James’ figure, one inch taller than the typical Ken doll, emulates the Lakers forward’s fashion sense with a blue varsity jacket patched with his initials, “LJ,” and his signature 23 jersey number.

From Los Angeles Times

The MP for Romford said the Republic "would do well to emulate countries such as Australia, Canada and New Zealand" and take its "rightful" place in the international association.

From BBC

This from a player who had the world at his feet, only to then make a string of swing changes while emulating the Watford FC approach to hiring and firing coaches.

From BBC

Mullins said he believes Galopin Des Champs is in better form than in previous years but will face stiffer competition as he tries to emulate some of racing's all-time greats.

From BBC

Related Words

• follow suit
• imitate
• mimic
• mirror