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Simulation: Definition, Usage & Common Examples (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：virtual model (simulation)

simulation 🔊

/ˌsɪmjʊˈleɪʃn/

Creating a virtual model of a real system or situation using a computer, so you can safely test things or practice skills without real-world consequences.

Simulation concept: person in flight simulator with virtual city view

virtual model 🔊

➕

/ˈvɜːrtʃuəl ˈmɒdl/

The creation of a computer-based imitation of a real system for safe testing or practice.

📁 Category：Technological Inventions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'simulare' (to imitate), forming 'simulatio' for imitation.

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'simulate' like 'similar' – creating something similar to reality.

📖 Example

Before getting her driver's license, she practiced in a simulation to learn how to handle rainy roads safely. 🔊 She used a virtual driving practice to safely learn rainy-road handling before obtaining her license.

🔗 Collocations

computer simulation – a simulation created using computers

flight simulation – a simulation of flying an aircraft

simulation software – software used to run simulations

🔄 Synonyms

imitation (n.) – something made to resemble another

model (n.) – a representation of a system

replication (n.) – the act of copying something

🚫 Antonyms

reality (n.) – the state of things as they actually exist

actualization (n.) – the process of making something real

🌱 Derivatives

simulate (v.) – to imitate or model the appearance or character of

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

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Latin 'simulare', meaning 'to imitate'. Now key in technology for virtual models, like flight simulators used in pilot training.

Meaning 2：pretended behavior (simulation)

simulation 🔊

/ˌsɪmjʊˈleɪʃn/

The act of pretending to be in a certain state or to have certain feelings, often to deceive others.

Simulation of emotion: person's forced polite smile with bored eyes

pretended behavior 🔊

➕

/prɪˈtendɪd bɪˈheɪvjər/

The act of feigning a state or emotion, often to deceive or conform socially.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

His smile was just a simulation of politeness; he was actually very annoyed by the long meeting. 🔊 His polite smile was only a fake display, as he was truly irritated by the lengthy meeting.

🔗 Collocations

simulation of emotion – the feigning of emotional states

mere simulation – only a pretense, not genuine

🔄 Synonyms

pretense (n.) – an attempt to make something that is not the case appear true

feigning (n.) – the action of pretending to have a feeling or condition

sham (n.) – a thing that is not what it is purported to be

🚫 Antonyms

genuineness (n.) – the quality of being truly what it is said to be

sincerity (n.) – the quality of being free from pretense or deceit

🌱 Derivatives

simulate (v.) – to pretend to have or feel something