simulate

/ˈsɪmjəleɪt/

Say it: SIM-yuh-layt

1. verb To create a model or representation of a system or process, often with a computer, to study or predict its behavior.
Engineers use software to simulate how the new bridge will withstand high winds.
2. verb To imitate the appearance, conditions, or character of something.
The lab-grown meat is designed to simulate the texture and flavor of real beef.
3. verb To pretend to have or feel an emotion or physical state; to feign.
He would simulate a cough to get out of speaking in class.

📖 Seen in the wild

Pilots often train in flight simulators to practice emergency procedures.
collected by @vocablast

✏️ simulate in a sentence

Pilots spend hundreds of hours in machines that accurately simulate flight conditions.
The research team built a small ecosystem to simulate the effects of climate change on a rainforest.
She tried to simulate interest in the conversation, but her constant yawning gave her away.
The emergency drill is intended to simulate a city-wide power outage.
In the video game, you can simulate managing your own virtual farm.
Some insects simulate the appearance of a leaf to avoid predators.
The prosecution argued that the defendant had simulated remorse to gain a lighter sentence.

🔁 Synonyms & antonyms

imitate feign replicate model mimic re-create pretend fake

imitate · focuses more on copying external appearance or actions.

feign · strongly implies pretending with an intent to deceive.

replicate · suggests creating an exact copy of an object or a result.

model · often used in a technical sense for creating a simplified representation for study.

Opposites: be authentic, be genuine, experience, realize

🌱 Where it comes from

The word 'simulate' comes from the Latin 'simulare', meaning 'to make like, imitate, or copy'. This root itself derives from 'similis', the Latin word for 'like' or 'similar'. Its meaning has remained remarkably consistent, always centered on the idea of creating a likeness of something else, whether for study or deception.

🧩 How it's used

Common patterns:

simulate the effects ofsimulate conditionsdesigned to simulatesimulate an attackaccurately simulatesimulate a response

While 'simulate' can be a synonym for 'pretend' or 'fake', it is more formal and often implies a more complex or convincing imitation. Its core meaning involves reproducing the essential conditions or characteristics of something, not just its surface appearance. In technical and scientific contexts, it specifically refers to creating a working model of a process, which distinguishes it from the more general term 'imitate'.

Word family: simulation, simulator, simulated

💬 Quick answers

What does 'simulate' mean?

To simulate means to imitate or re-create the conditions, appearance, or character of something. This can be done for training, scientific study, or to pretend or deceive.

What is the difference between 'simulate' and 'emulate'?

To simulate is to create a model or likeness of something's behavior. To emulate is to try to equal or surpass a person or achievement, often by copying them. Emulation has a goal of matching a standard, while simulation is about representation.

What is the difference between 'simulate' and 'imitate'?

Imitate usually means copying outward actions or appearance. Simulate often goes deeper by trying to reproduce the underlying processes or conditions that create the outward effects.

Is 'simulate' a formal word?

Yes, 'simulate' is generally a neutral to formal word. In casual conversation, people are more likely to use words like 'pretend' or 'fake' when discussing deception.

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