What does emulate mean?
To emulate is to try to match or surpass someone or something by imitating them. The word carries a strong note of admiration and ambition: when we emulate a hero, a colleague, or a historic figure, we are not merely copying but striving to reach — and perhaps exceed — their standard. A young scientist might emulate a Nobel laureate's rigor; a startup might emulate the customer service of a beloved company. The word also has a precise technical sense: in computing, an emulator reproduces the behavior of one machine or operating system on another, allowing software designed for older hardware to run unchanged. Emulate comes from the Latin aemulari, 'to rival,' and retains that competitive spirit. It should not be confused with simulate, which means to model or recreate a process rather than to aspire to someone's excellence.
To match or surpass (a person or achievement), typically by imitation; to imitate with the aim of equaling or excelling.
"He studied her technique for years, determined to emulate her mastery of the violin."
Often followed by a person ('emulate her father') or a quality/achievement ('emulate his generosity').
To reproduce the function or behavior of one computer system or hardware platform using another, so that software designed for the original runs unmodified.
"This program can emulate a 1980s home computer, letting users play vintage titles on modern machines."
In computing, an emulator doesn't just imitate old hardware — it recreates it so faithfully that decades-old games run perfectly on modern machines.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of emulate
Emulate derives from the Latin verb aemulari, meaning 'to rival or strive to equal,' itself rooted in the noun aemulus, 'rival.' The word entered English in the late 16th century, initially carrying senses of rivalry and envy before settling into its modern admiring sense of ambitious imitation. Its Latin root also gives English the related words emulous and emulation.
Related word forms
How emulate is actually used
Formal to neutral in register. In everyday use it carries an admiring connotation — emulation implies aspiration, not mere copying. In technical contexts (computing), the sense is neutral and precise.
Easily confused with emulate
Simulate means to create a model or reproduction of a process or system, while emulate means to try to equal or surpass someone through imitation.