emulate
C1Formal to Neutral
Definition
Meaning
to match or surpass a person or achievement, typically by imitation or effort.
In computing, to make one system or device behave like or be compatible with another.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb 'emulate' often carries a positive connotation of admiration and aspiration, implying the target is a worthy model. It stresses successful achievement rather than simple copying.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. The computing sense is universal.
Connotations
Identical.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in formal writing and tech contexts in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
emulate + NOUN (person/thing)emulate + NOUN + in + NOUN/VERB-ing (e.g., emulate someone in dedication)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to describe companies trying to match the success or practices of a market leader. (e.g., 'The startup aims to emulate the customer service model of its larger competitor.')
Academic
Common in historical, literary, or sociological texts to discuss influence. (e.g., 'The later poet consciously sought to emulate the classical forms of her predecessors.')
Everyday
Used less frequently, typically when discussing personal role models or achievements. (e.g., 'As a young athlete, I wanted to emulate my coach's discipline.')
Technical
The primary computing sense. (e.g., 'This software can emulate a legacy operating system.')
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Many younger players emulate his training regime.
- The programme emulates a classic console.
American English
- Smaller firms try to emulate Apple's marketing.
- My laptop can emulate a Windows environment.
adverb
British English
- [No common adverbial form. 'Emulatively' is extremely rare.]
American English
- [No common adverbial form.]
adjective
British English
- [No common adjectival form. 'Emulative' is extremely rare.]
American English
- [No common adjectival form.]
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She hopes to emulate her sister's success at university.
- The new software was designed to emulate the functions of the older, more expensive system.
- Nations often attempt to emulate the economic policies of their more prosperous neighbours, with varying degrees of success.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'E-MU-LATE' -> 'I Must Use Latest Achievement To Equal' - focusing on matching a top standard.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPETITION IS A RACE (to catch up to or overtake a front-runner).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'имитировать' (to imitate) in all contexts. 'Emulate' implies a goal of matching or excelling, not just copying form. The computing term is 'эмулировать'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it interchangeably with 'imitate' without the connotation of matching quality or success. Incorrect: 'He emulated his friend's bad handwriting.' (Here, 'copied' is better).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'emulate' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Imitate' means to copy the outward form or behaviour. 'Emulate' means to match or surpass someone's achievement or quality, often by imitation combined with effort; it implies a goal of equality or superiority.
It is rarely used negatively. Its core meaning involves trying to match a desirable or successful standard. If used with a negative object (e.g., 'emulate his cruelty'), it becomes ironic or critical.
Yes, 'emulation' is the noun, and an 'emulator' is the software/hardware that allows one system to behave like another. The meaning extends the core idea of matching functionality.
It is primarily a transitive verb. Related nouns are 'emulation' and 'emulator'.