simul: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical, informal, professional jargon.
Quick answer
What does “simul” mean?
Short for 'simultaneous', indicating something happening or existing at the same time.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Short for 'simultaneous', indicating something happening or existing at the same time.
Used as a prefix or standalone term in specific contexts (e.g., broadcasting, computing, academia) to denote concurrent actions or events, often in technical or informal shorthand.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. Slight preference in UK English for the full form 'simultaneous' in formal writing. In broadcasting, both regions use the term.
Connotations
Conveys efficiency and in-group knowledge. Using 'simul' outside its niche contexts may sound affected or unclear.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general corpora. Higher frequency in niche technical corpora related to broadcasting, event planning, and computing.
Grammar
How to Use “simul” in a Sentence
[simul] + noun (functioning as adjective)Used in compound nouns (e.g., simulcast)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “simul” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not used as a verb)
American English
- (Not used as a verb)
adverb
British English
- (Rare and non-standard) The signals were transmitted simul.
American English
- (Rare and non-standard) The servers updated almost simul.
adjective
British English
- The simul broadcast will air on BBC One and Radio 4.
- We need a simul audio feed for the translation.
American English
- The game will have a simul release on all platforms.
- Check the simul video signal from the main stage.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. May be used in project management or IT for 'simul launch' or 'simul deployment'.
Academic
Used in linguistics, media studies, or computer science papers as shorthand, often in quotes or technical descriptions.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Primary domain. Common in broadcasting (simulcast), computing (simul execution), and telecommunications.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “simul”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “simul”
- Using 'simul' as a standalone noun in general contexts (e.g., 'We did a simul').
- Misspelling as 'simula' or 'simulé'.
- Incorrect pronunciation with a long 'i' (/saɪməl/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is a technical clipping of 'simultaneous'. It is not used in everyday conversation and is confined to specific professional jargon.
Only if you are writing about a technical subject (like media studies) where the term is established jargon, and it should be defined on first use. In formal academic writing, prefer 'simultaneous'.
'Simul' is a general adjective meaning simultaneous. 'Simulcast' is a specific noun or verb meaning a broadcast transmitted simultaneously on radio and television, or over multiple channels.
Pronounce it like the first syllable of 'simultaneous': /ˈsɪm.jəl/ (US) or /ˈsɪm.jʊl/ (UK). The stress is on the first syllable.
Short for 'simultaneous', indicating something happening or existing at the same time.
Simul is usually technical, informal, professional jargon. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “simul of (rare, technical: a simul of the press conference)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'SIMULtaneous' and then cut it short. 'SIMUL' = 'Same Instant, Multiple United Locations'.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS SPACE (EVENTS OCCUPYING THE SAME POINT).
Practice
Quiz
In which professional field is the term 'simul' MOST commonly used as shorthand?