What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
emulate
Example
He tried to emulate his father's success in business. [emulate: verb]
Example
The team is working hard to emulate the success of their rivals. [emulating: present participle]
simulate
Example
The flight simulator allows pilots to simulate various weather conditions. [simulate: verb]
Example
The actor had to simulate being scared during the horror movie scene. [simulate: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Simulate is more commonly used than emulate in scientific or technical contexts, while emulate is more commonly used in personal or professional development contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between emulate and simulate?
Simulate is generally more formal than emulate, as it is often used in technical or scientific writing. However, both words can be used in formal or informal contexts depending on the context and audience.
