What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
imitate
Example
The child tried to imitate his favorite superhero's moves. [imitate: verb]
Example
She can imitate her boss's accent perfectly. [imitate: verb]
Example
The actor was able to imitate the singer's performance flawlessly. [imitate: verb]
simulate
Example
The engineers simulated the effects of an earthquake on the building. [simulate: verb]
Example
The pilot used a simulator to practice flying in different weather conditions. [simulate: noun]
Example
The scientists simulated the conditions of Mars to study its potential habitability. [simulate: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Imitate is more commonly used than simulate in everyday language, especially in the context of entertainment or admiration. Simulate is more commonly used in technical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between imitate and simulate?
Simulate is generally more formal than imitate, as it is often used in technical or scientific contexts.
