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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Simulate: Definition, Usage & Examples (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：imitate or model (simulate)

simulate 🔊

/ˈsɪm.jə.leɪt/

vt.

To create a model or system that behaves like the real thing, often for testing or training purposes.

Simulate meaning illustrated by a pilot in a realistic flight simulator cockpit.

imitate or model 🔊

➕

/ˈɪm.ɪ.teɪt ɔːr ˈmɒd.əl/

vt.

The act of creating a representation or model that mimics the behavior of a real-world process or system.

📁 Category：Technological Inventions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'simulare' (to make like, imitate), related to 'similis' (like, similar).

💡 Mnemonic

Think: 'SIMilar' + 'LATE'. A simulation creates something SIMILAR to the real thing, but it arrives LATE (after the model is made).

📖 Example

The new software can simulate the effects of different weather conditions on airplane wings. 🔊 The new software can simulate the effects of different weather conditions on airplane wings.

🔗 Collocations

simulate conditions – to artificially recreate specific environmental or situational factors

simulate behavior – to mimic the actions or reactions of a system or entity

simulate a process – to model the steps of an operation digitally or physically

🔄 Synonyms

emulate (vt.) – to match or surpass by imitation, often focusing on matching the function or success

mimic (vt.) – to imitate closely, especially in action, sound, or appearance

replicate (vt.) – to duplicate or reproduce an experiment, process, or result

🚫 Antonyms

actualize (vt.) – to make real or concrete

genuine (adj.) – authentic and not artificial or copied

🌱 Derivatives

simulation (n.) – the act of simulating or the model that is created

simulator (n.) – a device or system that simulates specific conditions

simulated (adj.) – made to resemble something else; artificial

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'simulate' comes from the Latin 'simulare,' meaning 'to make like' or 'imitate.' It entered English in the 17th century. Today, it's a cornerstone of modern technology, where computer simulations model everything from climate patterns to car crashes, allowing for safe and cost-effective testing before real-world implementation.

Meaning 2：pretend or feign (simulate)

simulate 🔊

/ˈsɪm.jə.leɪt/

vt.

To pretend to have a feeling or condition that you do not really have.

Simulate definition of pretending shown by a child playacting as royalty.

pretend or feign 🔊

➕

/prɪˈtend ɔːr feɪn/

vt.

The act of pretending to have a feeling, quality, or state that one does not truly possess.

📁 Category：Entertainment & Sports 🔖 Level：Primary

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

The children used pillows and blankets to simulate a royal court in their living room. 🔊 The children used pillows and blankets to simulate a royal court in their living room.

🔗 Collocations

simulate enthusiasm – to pretend to be excited or interested

simulate illness – to fake being sick

simulate an emotion – to outwardly display a feeling one does not genuinely feel

🔄 Synonyms

pretend (v.) – to behave as if something is true when it is not

act (v.) – to behave in a specified way, often deceptively

put on an act (idiom) – to behave deceptively

🚫 Antonyms

authentic (adj.) – genuine and not counterfeit

real (adj.) – actually existing as a thing or occurring in fact

sincere (adj.) – free from pretense or deceit; genuine in feeling

🌱 Derivatives

simulated (adj.) – imitated; not genuine (e.g., simulated leather)