simulator: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical / Neutral
Quick answer
What does “simulator” mean?
A device, system, or program that artificially replicates the conditions and behavior of a real process, machine, or situation for training, testing, or experimentation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A device, system, or program that artificially replicates the conditions and behavior of a real process, machine, or situation for training, testing, or experimentation.
A person who feigns or pretends to have a particular condition or state; more broadly, any entity that imitates or models reality.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling. Usage contexts are identical.
Connotations
Identical technical/neutral connotations in both variants.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties due to its technical nature.
Grammar
How to Use “simulator” in a Sentence
[simulator] + [for + NP] (a simulator for training)[simulator] + [of + NP] (a simulator of spaceflight)[Adj] + [simulator]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “simulator” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The software is designed to simulate turbulence.
- Can we simulate the economic conditions?
American English
- The program simulates zero gravity.
- We need to simulate a network failure.
adverb
British English
- None derived directly from 'simulator'. (Use 'simulatedly' is non-standard).
American English
- None derived directly from 'simulator'. (Use 'simulatedly' is non-standard).
adjective
British English
- She completed the simulator training course.
- The simulator experience was incredibly realistic.
American English
- He bought a new simulator game.
- The simulator software is buggy.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in corporate training contexts, e.g., 'We use a market simulator for new analysts.'
Academic
Common in engineering, computer science, and medical research papers.
Everyday
Most often in gaming ('racing simulator') or discussing pilot/driver training.
Technical
Core term in software development, aviation, military, and medical training.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “simulator”
- Misspelling as 'simulater' or 'simulater'.
- Using 'simulator' to refer to a person who pretends (archaic/rare; prefer 'simulant' or 'pretender').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. A simulator aims for realistic replication of a system for training or analysis. A 'simulator game' is a genre that prioritises realism, but many games are not simulators.
Historically, yes (one who simulates/pretends), but this is now rare and archaic. The modern meaning is almost exclusively a machine or program.
In computing, a simulator models the behaviour of a system, while an emulator replicates the system exactly, often to run its software. In everyday use, they are often used interchangeably.
The related verb is 'to simulate'.
A device, system, or program that artificially replicates the conditions and behavior of a real process, machine, or situation for training, testing, or experimentation.
Simulator is usually technical / neutral in register.
Simulator: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɪm.jə.leɪ.tə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɪm.jə.leɪ.t̬ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to the word.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of SIMILAR + TOR: a simulator creates a situation SIMILAR to reality.
Conceptual Metaphor
A MACHINE IS A TEACHER (the simulator machine teaches through imitation).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'simulator' LEAST likely to be used?