simulacrum

[ sim-yuh-ley-kruhm ]

noun

, plural sim·u·la·cra [sim-y, uh, -, ley, -kr, uh].

1. a slight, unreal, or superficial likeness or semblance.
2. an effigy, image, or representation:

   a simulacrum of Aphrodite.

simulacrum

/ ˌsɪmjʊˈleɪkrəm /

noun

1. any image or representation of something
2. a slight, unreal, or vague semblance of something; superficial likeness

Word History and Origins

Origin of simulacrum¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Latin simulācrum “likeness, image,” equivalent to simulā(re) “to pretend, imitate” + -crum instrumental suffix; simulate

Word History and Origins

Origin of simulacrum¹

C16: from Latin: likeness, from simulāre to imitate, from similis like

Example Sentences

Trump isn't just a simulacrum, but one that feels nothing but contempt for the real thing, which often has less surface glamour than his gold-painted fakes.

From Salon

Similarly, the jokes throughout seem like they’re supposed to be laugh lines, but are really just a simulacrum of humor, quips without wit.

From New York Times

If Schachtner’s orchestrations lack the confident stroke of the master’s pen, they remain a pleasing simulacrum of his flamboyantly emotional style.

From New York Times

But the output is mostly a simulacrum of human thought, not the product of cogitation.

From Los Angeles Times

But it’s mostly a simulacrum of human thought, not the product of cogitation.

From Los Angeles Times