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Definition of emulate

emulate

/ˈɛmjʊleɪt/
em · u · late
Adjective:emulative
•
Past Simple:emulated
•
Past Participle:emulated
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Present Participle:emulating
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emulate Lexical Profile

emulate Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To strive to equal or excel someone or something, typically through imitation.

Example

"Young musicians often try to emulate the style and discipline of their favorite composers."

2

To reproduce the function and behavior of a different computer system or piece of hardware using software (in computing).

Example

"The new software allows modern desktop computers to emulate classic video game consoles seamlessly."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for emulate
Antonyms
View all antonyms for emulate

Word Nuance & Usage

Unlike 'imitate', which simply means to copy someone's actions or appearance, 'emulate' implies striving to equal or excel the person or achievement being modeled.

• Rhymes for emulate

• Nearby Words

empty
ems river
emu
emulate
emulation
emulator
emulsifier

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 16th century from the Latin 'aemulatus', the past participle of 'aemulari' ('to rival or strive to excel'), from 'aemulus' ('striving, rivaling').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Emulate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/emulate
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