1
Core action
Imitate a person, method, or achievement, often with the aim of matching or surpassing it.
Example
Later cities sought to emulate the successful programme.
emulate
/ˈemjəleɪt/ · EM-yuh-laytverb
Imitate a person, method, or achievement, often with the aim of matching or surpassing it.
Use emulate to express this relationship precisely: imitate a person, method, or achievement, often with the aim of matching or surpassing it.
What emulate Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Common construction
Use this expression in its normal grammatical frame so the relationship between the surrounding ideas remains explicit.
Example
Young painters emulated her use of colour.
3
Reasoning effect
It tells the reader how to interpret the timing, scope, evidence, contrast, condition, or consequence in the statement.
Example
The design emulates natural ventilation systems.
Use emulate Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
Later cities sought to emulate the successful programme.
Young painters emulated her use of colour.
The design emulates natural ventilation systems.
Precision Matters
Emulate overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
emulate
vs.Means imitate a person, method, or achievement, often with the aim of matching or surpassing it.
supplant
Means to replace or supersede something previously established.
emulate
vs.Means imitate a person, method, or achievement, often with the aim of matching or surpassing it.
innovative
Means introducing or using new ideas, methods, or materials.
emulate
vs.Means imitate a person, method, or achievement, often with the aim of matching or surpassing it.
unoriginal
Means lacking originality, novelty, or independent invention.
emulate
vs.Means imitate a person, method, or achievement, often with the aim of matching or surpassing it.
analogous
Means similar or comparable in relevant respects, though not necessarily identical.
Test emulate in Context
They aim to imitate and match a successful example.
1
Other schools hope to ___ the programme's success by adopting its mentoring model.