English Dictionary

Definition of “emulate

emulate (ˈɛmjʊˌleɪtPronunciation for emulate

Definitions

verb (tr)

  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

Alternative Forms

ˈemulative adjective ˈemulatively adverb ˈemuˌlator noun

Word Origin

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

Synonyms

View thesaurus entry
= imitate, follow, copy, mirror, echo, mimic, take after, follow in the footsteps of follow the example of take a leaf out of someone's book, model yourself on

Usage examples

  • But Margaret, thought Laura, could never emulate her light-hearted sister-in-law.
    Martin, Joy, The Image of Laura (1993)
  • Imagine a public life where people tried to emulate Hutton's disinterested role.
    Spiked (2003)
  • Kelly Guard didn't hesitate yesterday when asked if there is a goaltender he tries to emulate.
    Toronto Sun (2003)
  • The death of Cormac McAnallen should act as a spur to everyone to emulate the young star and pack as much into their time as possible.
    Belfast Telegraph (2004)
  • The very people they wished to emulate showed their belief in Chinese inferiority.
    Grenville, J. A. S., The Collins History of the World in the 20th Century (1994)

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