Emulate Meaning
/ˈɛm.jʊ.leɪt/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
verbTo attempt to equal or be the same as.
verbTo copy or imitate, especially a person.
Sentence Examples
Every child needs someone to admire and emulate.
At this point in time, you need a powerful computer to emulate this game.
CEFR Practice Quiz
Young athletes often try to ____ their favorite sports stars.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Many young players try to ____ the style of their favorite athletes.
Word Origin & History
First attested in 1586; borrowed from Latin aemulātus, perfect active participle of Latin aemulor (“to rival, emulate”), see -ate (verb-forming suffix) and -ate (adjective-forming suffix).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"The Magpies are unbeaten and enjoying their best run since 1994, although few would have thought the class of 2011 would come close to emulating their ancestors."
— 2011 October 1, Saj Chowdhury, “Wolverhampton 1 - 2 Newcastle”, in BBC Sport:
"But the councell then present emulating my successe, would not thinke it fit to spare me fortie men to be hazzarded in those unknowne regions [...]."
— 1624, John Smith, Generall Historie, Kupperman, published 1988, page 146:
"That can I,
At leaſt the whiſper goes ſo : Our laſt King,
Whoſe Image euen but novv appear'd to vs,
VVas (as you know) by Fortinbras of Norvvay,
(Thereto prick’d on by a moſt emulate Pride)
Dar’d to the Combate."
— c. 1599–1602 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Hamlet, Prince of Denmarke”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act I, scene i], pages 152-153, column 1:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
Young athletes often try to ____ their favorite sports stars.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Many young players try to ____ the style of their favorite athletes.