DictionaryAI

simulate

USSIM-yuh-layt/ˈsɪm.jəˌleɪt/UKSIM-yuu-layt/ˈsɪm.jʊˌleɪt/
As an adjectiveSIM-yuh-lit

Formssimulates, simulating, simulated

2 meanings of simulate

Practice

  1. 1
    verbtransitive
    To copy how something looks, works, or behaves, often using a machine or program.

    Like a video game car that acts like a real car but isn't one.

    Flight schools use machines that simulate flying a real plane.

    The game can simulate a whole city and its traffic.

    Similarmodel, reproduce, replicate, recreate, imitate

    Note
  2. 2
    adjectiveobsolete
    Faked or pretended on purpose, not real.
    under simulate religion
    1545, John Bale, The Image of Both ChurchesHere, simulate means fake or pretended, so the religion is not real.
    Note

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Origins

Meaning 1

First used in 1652. It comes from Latin simulare, meaning to imitate or copy, from similis meaning 'like'.

Meaning 2

First used around 1425 in Middle English, meaning 'feigned' or 'similar'. It came from Latin simulatus, like Etymology 1.