simulacra

[sim-yuh-lak-ruh]

simulacra Definition

• 1. an image or representation of someone or something
• 2. an unsatisfactory imitation or substitute

Using simulacra: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "simulacra" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The museum had a simulacrum of the Mona Lisa.

• Example

  The robot was a poor simulacrum of a human being.

• Example

  The company's new product was merely a simulacrum of their competitor's successful design.

simulacra Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for simulacra

• replica
• copy
• imitation
• facsimile
• clone

Antonyms for simulacra

• original
• real thing

Phrases with simulacra

• simulacra and simulation

  a philosophical treatise by Jean Baudrillard that explores the relationship between reality, symbols, and society

  Example

  Simulacra and Simulation is a challenging but thought-provoking read for anyone interested in postmodern philosophy.

• hyperreality

  a condition where reality and its representation are blurred, often used in the context of media and consumer culture

  Example

  The proliferation of social media has created a hyperreality where people's lives are curated and presented as idealized versions of themselves.

• uncanny valley

  a hypothesis in robotics and computer animation that suggests that as a robot or avatar becomes more human-like in appearance and motion, the emotional response of a human observer to the robot will become increasingly positive and empathic, until a point is reached beyond which the response quickly becomes strongly negative

  Example

  The uncanny valley effect can be seen in the discomfort people feel when interacting with robots that look almost, but not quite, like humans.

Origins of simulacra

from Latin 'simulacrum', meaning 'likeness, image, or statue'

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Summary: simulacra in Brief

Simulacra [sim-yuh-lak-ruh] refers to an image or representation of someone or something, often an unsatisfactory imitation or substitute. It can be used in phrases like 'simulacra and simulation,' exploring the relationship between reality and symbols, and 'hyperreality,' where reality and its representation are blurred. The term also relates to the 'uncanny valley' hypothesis in robotics and computer animation.