simulate
USSIM-yuh-layt/ˈsɪm.jəˌleɪt/UKSIM-yuu-layt/ˈsɪm.jʊˌleɪt/
As an adjectiveSIM-yuh-lit
Formssimulates, simulating, simulated
Formssimulates, simulating, simulated
- 1To 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
- 2Faked 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
Showing meanings only.
Use it in a sentence
Write your own sentence with simulate, and AI will tell you whether it fits and which meaning you used.
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.