Emulate
/ˈɛm.jəˌleɪt/
verbB2
Definition
Emulate means to copy or try to do something as well as someone else because you respect or admire that person. It often involves learning from others and working hard to reach their level or success.
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See It in Action
To try to be like someone admired by copying their actions or qualities
- •She wanted to emulate her older sister's success in school.
- •Many young musicians emulate famous artists to improve their skills.
- •The company tries to emulate the best practices of its competitors.
To match or surpass by imitation or effort
- •His work ethic emulates that of his mentor.
- •The new product aims to emulate the quality of the market leader.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "emulate" like "copy," but with respect and effort to be as good or better, not just copying without meaning
- ✓Picture a younger athlete practicing the same moves as their favorite sports star to become just as good
- ✓It's the feeling when you want to be like someone you admire, like a student trying to write as well as their teacher
- ✓Sounds like "EM-you-late" → Imagine someone saying "I'm you, late" because they want to catch up and be like you
- ✓Think of stories where a younger hero tries to follow the path of an older, wiser hero to learn and grow
- ✓NOT like "imitate" (which can be copying exactly or mocking), "emulate" is respectful and positive, aiming to match or exceed
- ✓NOT like "follow" (just going behind someone), "emulate" means trying to equal or surpass someone by effort
Try Other Words
- •Imitate: to do the same as someone else (Use when the action is simple copying, not always with respect or effort)
- •Follow: to do what someone else does or says (Use when you do what someone else does but not necessarily trying to be as good)
- •Match: to be equal to someone in quality or skill (Use when focusing on being equal, not necessarily copying)
- •Mirror: to exactly copy or reflect (Use when the copying is very exact and visual)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "e-" (a variant of "ex-" meaning "out" or "thoroughly") + "mulate" (from Latin "aemulari," meaning to rival or strive to equal)
- •Etymology: From Latin "aemulatus," past participle of "aemulari," meaning to strive to equal or rival someone
- •Historical development: Entered English in the early 1600s, originally meaning to rival or compete by imitation
- •Modern usage: Used to describe respectful copying to achieve the same level or success as someone admired
Reflect & Connect
•Can you think of a time when you tried to emulate someone? What did you learn from that experience?
•How is emulating different from just copying without understanding or respect?
Fill in the blanks
1.She tried to emulate her teacher's ___ by working hard every day.
2.Many young players emulate famous athletes because they want to ___ their skills.
3.Emulate is different from imitate because it usually shows ___ and effort.
4.The new company wants to emulate the ___ of its successful competitor.
5.When you emulate someone, you do not just copy but try to ___ or surpass them.
6.To emulate a good habit, you must first ___ how it helps others.
7.He didn't just follow instructions; he tried to emulate the ___ of his mentor.