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B2 noun #7,000 most common 15 min read

simulate

Top 7,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips simulate in 30 Seconds

Explanation simulate in your Level:

The word 'simulate' is a bit difficult for beginners, but you can think of it as a special word for 'pretend' or 'make a copy'. When you play a game and pretend to be a doctor, you are simulating what a doctor does. In simple English, we use it when we want to say that something is not real, but it looks or feels like the real thing. For example, a toy car 'simulates' a real car. A video game 'simulates' a world. It is a word scientists and computer experts use when they make a model of something on their computer. Even though it is a big word, you can remember it by thinking about 'sim' games, like 'The Sims', which is a game that copies real life. If you are just starting to learn English, you don't need to use this word often, but it is good to know it means 'to copy how something works'.

At the A2 level, you can start to use 'simulate' when talking about technology or training. It means to make something that acts like something else. For example, 'The pilot uses a computer to simulate flying.' This is better than saying 'The pilot pretends to fly' because it sounds more professional. You might see this word in science class or when reading about how video games are made. It is different from 'copy' because 'copy' usually means making a twin of an object, while 'simulate' means making something that *behaves* like the real thing. If you create a small volcano for a school project, you are simulating a volcanic eruption. You are showing how it works without having a real, dangerous volcano in your classroom. It is a very useful word for describing experiments and games.

For intermediate learners, 'simulate' is an important word for describing processes in work and study. It is a transitive verb, which means you always simulate *something*. You can simulate 'conditions', 'environments', or 'situations'. For instance, 'The test was designed to simulate a real emergency.' This means the test felt like a real emergency so people could practice what to do. At this level, you should also be careful not to confuse 'simulate' with 'stimulate'. 'Simulate' is about modeling or imitating. 'Stimulate' is about making something more active. If you 'simulate' interest in a topic, you are acting like you care even if you don't. This is a common social use of the word. You will often hear it in news reports about technology, medicine, and the environment, especially when scientists are talking about computer models of the future.

At the B2 level, 'simulate' is a key part of your academic and professional vocabulary. You should understand that it involves creating a controlled environment to study complex systems. It is frequently used in the passive voice: 'The effects of the drug were simulated using a computer model.' You should also be familiar with common collocations like 'accurately simulate', 'digitally simulate', and 'simulate the impact of'. In a business context, you might simulate a market trend to see if a new product will be successful. The word implies a systematic and often mathematical approach to imitation. It is not just about looking like something; it is about functioning like it. You should be able to use it to discuss training (flight simulators), research (simulating climate change), and entertainment (physics simulations in movies).

As a C1 learner, you should use 'simulate' with precision, distinguishing it from related terms like 'emulate', 'replicate', and 'mimic'. You should recognize its role in the 'philosophy of simulation' and the 'simulation hypothesis' (the idea that reality itself might be a simulation). In your writing, you can use 'simulate' to describe complex interactions in social sciences, such as 'simulating the decision-making processes of urban voters'. You should also be comfortable with its nominalized form 'simulation' and the adjective 'simulated'. For example, 'The simulated environment provided a high degree of ecological validity.' At this level, you can use the word to describe subtle social behaviors or complex technological processes with equal ease. It is a word that denotes a high level of analytical thinking and an understanding of how models represent reality.

At the C2 level, 'simulate' is a tool for nuanced discourse on epistemology, ontology, and advanced technology. You might use it to discuss Jean Baudrillard’s concept of 'simulacra', where the simulation becomes more real than the reality it was meant to represent (hyperreality). You should be able to apply the word in highly technical fields, such as 'simulating quantum decoherence in a computational framework' or 'simulating the socio-economic ramifications of a universal basic income'. At this level, the word is used to explore the boundaries between the artificial and the natural. You should also be sensitive to the ethical implications of simulation, such as the use of simulated personas in AI or the ethics of simulating traumatic events for research. Your use of the word should reflect a deep understanding of its power to shape our perception of what is 'real'.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

simulate in 30 Seconds

To simulate is to create a functional model of a real-world system, often using computers, for the purpose of research, testing, or professional training.
The word is widely used in aviation, medicine, and science to describe safe ways of practicing dangerous tasks or predicting future events through modeling.
It is a transitive verb that requires an object, such as simulating an environment, a condition, a process, or a human emotion.
Simulate is distinct from 'stimulate' (to excite) and 'replicate' (to copy exactly), focusing instead on imitating the behavior and dynamics of a system.

The word simulate is a sophisticated verb that describes the intentional act of creating a representation or model of a real-world process, system, or situation. At its core, to simulate is to mimic the behavior or appearance of one thing using another, typically for the purpose of analysis, training, or prediction. Imagine a pilot who needs to learn how to land a massive aircraft in a thunderstorm. It would be prohibitively dangerous and expensive to practice this in a real plane with real passengers. Instead, they use a flight simulator—a complex machine that uses computer software and hydraulic movements to simulate the experience of flying. In this context, to simulate means to provide a safe, controlled environment where the variables of reality can be manipulated without the consequences of reality. This process is fundamental to modern science, engineering, and entertainment. When scientists want to understand how a virus might spread through a city, they simulate the movement of people using mathematical models. When video game developers want to create a realistic racing game, they simulate the physics of tires on asphalt. The word carries a sense of precision and calculation; it is not just 'pretending' in a casual sense, but rather a systematic attempt to replicate the underlying rules of a system.

Technical Application: In engineering, to simulate is to test a design's viability under stress without building a physical prototype.

The researchers used advanced software to simulate the effects of climate change on coastal erosion over the next fifty years.

People use 'simulate' when they want to emphasize the accuracy or the functional replication of a process. For instance, in medical training, students often use high-fidelity mannequins that can simulate a heart attack, allowing the students to practice life-saving techniques in a scenario that feels urgent and real. This word is also prevalent in the world of finance, where analysts simulate market crashes to see how resilient an investment portfolio might be. It is a word of the 'what if' scenario. By simulating, we can peek into the future or explore the 'what might have been' of the past. It bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical experience. In a more metaphorical sense, one might simulate an emotion, such as simulating interest in a boring conversation, though this usage often carries a slightly negative connotation of being insincere or deceptive. However, in most professional and academic contexts, to simulate is a highly valued skill and a necessary step in the development of complex systems.

Scientific Context: Biologists simulate the folding of proteins to discover new drugs for rare genetic diseases.

Modern computers can simulate billions of years of galactic evolution in just a few days of processing time.

The word is also essential in the digital age. Virtual reality (VR) headsets are designed specifically to simulate three-dimensional environments, tricking the brain into believing it is somewhere else. This immersive quality is what separates a simple video from a simulated experience. To simulate is to create a feedback loop where the user's actions result in a logical response from the model. If you turn left in a simulated car, the 'world' must move right. This logical consistency is what makes a simulation effective. Whether it is a pilot in a cockpit, a surgeon with a robotic arm, or a gamer in a fantasy world, the act of simulating provides a bridge between the abstract and the tangible, allowing for growth, discovery, and safety in an increasingly complex world.

Interpersonal Context: Sometimes, actors must simulate deep grief to make a performance feel authentic to the audience.

The test was designed to simulate the extreme pressure found at the bottom of the Mariana Trench.

Using 'simulate' correctly requires an understanding of its transitive nature; it almost always requires a direct object—the thing being imitated. You simulate something. In formal writing, it is frequently paired with abstract nouns like 'conditions', 'environments', 'scenarios', or 'effects'. For example, 'The laboratory environment is designed to simulate the conditions of deep space.' Here, the verb 'simulate' connects the artificial setting to the real-world phenomenon it mimics. It is also common to see 'simulate' followed by a gerund phrase, such as 'simulate living on Mars'. This structure is particularly useful when discussing human experiences or activities in a controlled setting. The versatility of the word allows it to function in various tenses, though the present and past tenses are the most frequent. 'We simulated the crash' (past) vs. 'The software simulates the crash' (present). Note that the present tense often describes a capability or a recurring function of a program or system.

Active Voice: The computer program simulates the flow of traffic during rush hour to identify potential bottlenecks.

To prepare for the mission, the astronauts will simulate a lunar landing in a large underwater facility.

In passive constructions, 'simulate' is used to emphasize the result rather than the agent. 'The weightlessness of space was simulated using a parabolic flight path.' This is standard in scientific reporting where the methodology is more important than the specific person performing the action. Another important aspect of using 'simulate' is its relationship with adverbs. Because simulation can vary in quality, we often use adverbs like 'accurately', 'realistically', 'closely', or 'partially' to modify the verb. 'The new game engine simulates light and shadow more realistically than its predecessor.' This provides the reader with a sense of the fidelity of the imitation. Furthermore, 'simulate' can be used in the infinitive form to express purpose: 'Scientists use supercomputers to simulate the Big Bang.' This construction is very common in academic abstracts and news headlines explaining the goals of a study.

Passive Voice: The sounds of a busy rainforest were simulated in the museum exhibit to create an immersive atmosphere.

It is difficult to simulate the complex chemical reactions that occur within a living cell.

When using 'simulate' in a social or psychological context, the direct object is usually an emotion, a state of mind, or a social behavior. 'He tried to simulate a look of surprise, but his eyes gave away his true feelings.' In these cases, 'simulate' is often a synonym for 'feign' or 'fake'. However, 'simulate' sounds more clinical and detached. It suggests a conscious effort to mimic the outward signs of an internal state. This is distinct from 'acting', which implies a creative performance. To simulate an emotion is to attempt to replicate its observable characteristics for a specific purpose, whether that be deception, social lubrication, or a psychological experiment. Understanding these nuances helps in choosing the right word for the right level of formality and intent in your writing.

Adverbial Modification: The software can accurately simulate the structural integrity of a bridge during an earthquake.

By using a wind tunnel, engineers can simulate the aerodynamic forces acting on a high-speed train.

The word 'simulate' is a staple in several high-stakes professional fields. In the world of aviation and aerospace, you will hear it constantly. Pilots don't just 'fly' during their training; they 'simulate' emergency procedures, engine failures, and extreme weather landings. Flight schools and airlines invest millions in 'simulators'—the machines that perform the simulation. If you listen to a podcast about space exploration, you'll hear about how NASA simulates the Martian environment in the deserts of Utah or the depths of the ocean. This is where the word is most 'at home'—in environments where the real thing is too dangerous or too far away. Similarly, in medicine, the word is heard in the context of 'simulation centers.' These are places where medical students and veteran doctors simulate surgeries, patient interactions, and emergency room chaos using high-tech mannequins. The goal is to make mistakes in the simulation so they aren't made on a real patient.

Military Usage: Soldiers use 'war games' to simulate combat scenarios, allowing commanders to test different strategies without risk to life.

The pilot spent hours in the simulator to simulate a dual-engine failure at thirty thousand feet.

In the technology and gaming industry, 'simulate' is a buzzword. Software engineers talk about 'simulating' user traffic to test if a website will crash during a big sale like Black Friday. Game designers discuss 'simulation games' (like The Sims or SimCity) where the entire point is to simulate life or urban planning. If you read tech news, you'll see articles about 'physics engines' that simulate how water ripples or how fabric folds. The word is synonymous with 'realistic modeling' in this sphere. Moving to finance and economics, you'll hear about 'Monte Carlo simulations.' This is a mathematical technique used to simulate the probability of different outcomes in a process that cannot easily be predicted due to the intervention of random variables. Financial advisors use this to simulate how a person's retirement savings might last over thirty years given different market conditions.

Environmental Science: Climate models are used to simulate various carbon emission scenarios to predict future global temperatures.

The urban planners used a 3D model to simulate how the new skyscraper would cast shadows on the neighboring park.

Finally, in academic research, 'simulate' is a standard part of the scientific method. Whether it's a sociologist simulating group dynamics or a physicist simulating the collision of subatomic particles, the word indicates a rigorous, model-based approach to understanding the world. You'll hear it in university lectures, read it in peer-reviewed journals, and see it in grant proposals. It is a word that signals 'seriousness' and 'methodology.' Even in daily news, you might hear about 'simulated' tests for new vaccines or 'simulated' cyberattacks conducted by companies to find weaknesses in their security. In all these contexts, 'simulate' means taking a piece of reality and putting it into a laboratory or a computer so we can study it safely and deeply.

Cybersecurity: Ethical hackers often simulate phishing attacks to train employees on how to recognize suspicious emails.

Researchers developed a new algorithm to simulate the neurological pathways of a honeybee.

The most frequent mistake people make with 'simulate' is confusing it with the word 'stimulate'. While they sound very similar, their meanings are entirely different. To simulate is to imitate or model something (e.g., simulating a flight). To stimulate is to encourage growth, activity, or interest (e.g., stimulating the economy or stimulating a muscle). This 'm' versus 'mu' distinction is a classic trap for English learners and even native speakers in a hurry. If you say you want to 'simulate the brain', you are talking about creating a computer model of it. If you say you want to 'stimulate the brain', you are talking about making it more active, perhaps through caffeine or study. Always double-check which one you mean, as using the wrong one can completely change the intent of your sentence.

Simulate vs. Stimulate: Mistake: 'The new law will simulate the local economy.' Correct: 'The new law will stimulate the local economy.'

Do not confuse simulate (to copy) with stimulate (to excite).

Another common error involves using 'simulate' when 'dissimulate' or 'dissemble' might be more precise in a social context. While 'simulate' means to pretend to have something (like simulating happiness), 'dissimulate' means to hide what you actually feel. They are two sides of the same coin of deception, but 'simulate' is about 'putting on' an act, while 'dissimulate' is about 'hiding' the truth. Furthermore, some users mistakenly add a preposition after 'simulate', like 'simulate to' or 'simulate with'. 'Simulate' is a transitive verb; it takes its object directly. You don't 'simulate to a crash'; you 'simulate a crash'. Also, be careful with the noun form 'simulation' versus the verb 'simulate'. Sometimes people use the noun when they need the verb: 'We need to simulation the results' is incorrect; it should be 'We need to simulate the results' or 'We need a simulation of the results'.

Transitive Usage: Mistake: 'They tried to simulate about the weather.' Correct: 'They tried to simulate the weather.'

Using simulate correctly shows a high level of technical English proficiency.

Lastly, there is a nuance between 'simulate' and 'replicate'. To simulate is to create a model that acts like the real thing. To replicate is to create an exact copy of the real thing itself. If you simulate a diamond, you might use a computer program to show how it reflects light. If you replicate a diamond, you are making a synthetic diamond in a lab. Using 'simulate' when you mean 'copy exactly' can lead to confusion in scientific and manufacturing contexts. Similarly, 'mimic' is often used for biological or natural imitation (like a bird mimicking a sound), while 'simulate' is preferred for artificial or technological modeling. Keeping these distinctions in mind will help you use 'simulate' with the precision that the word itself implies.

Simulate vs. Replicate: Simulate = Model the behavior. Replicate = Copy the physical object.

The engineer had to simulate the vibrations before he could replicate the part.

When you want to avoid repeating 'simulate', or if you need a word that fits a slightly different context, several alternatives are available. Each has its own 'flavor' and specific use case. The most common synonym in a technical or scientific context is 'model'. To model a system is to create a mathematical or physical representation of it. While 'simulate' often implies a dynamic process (something that changes over time), 'model' can be static. You might 'model' the structure of a bridge, but you 'simulate' how it shakes during a storm. Another close relative is 'replicate'. As mentioned before, replication is about making an exact copy. If a scientist replicates an experiment, they are doing it exactly the same way to see if they get the same results. In contrast, simulating an experiment might involve doing it on a computer rather than in a test tube.

Model vs. Simulate: Modeling is the creation of the framework; simulating is the act of running that framework to see what happens.

The architect used a computer to model the building, then simulated wind loads to test its stability.

In social or behavioral contexts, 'mimic' and 'imitate' are frequent alternatives. 'Mimic' often implies a very close, sometimes unconscious or mocking, copy of someone's mannerisms or speech. A parrot mimics a person; a child might mimic their parent. 'Imitate' is broader and can be used for everything from art styles to business models. If you 'imitate' someone's success, you are following their example. 'Simulate' in these contexts sounds more deliberate and often more clinical. For example, 'The patient was asked to simulate a range of emotions' sounds like a medical test, whereas 'The child imitated the clown' sounds like play. If the imitation is intended to deceive, words like 'feign' or 'fake' are better choices. You feign illness to stay home from school; you simulate illness in a medical training exercise. The difference lies in the intent and the level of formality.

Feign vs. Simulate: Feign: Often used for emotions or physical states with an intent to deceive. Simulate: Often used for systems or training with an intent to learn.

The software was designed to mimic the behavior of a real neural network.

Other specialized alternatives include 'emulate', which is common in computing. To emulate is to make one system behave exactly like another. For example, you might use an emulator to play old console games on your PC. While 'simulate' models the behavior of a system, 'emulate' models the internal logic so that the same software can run on it. In the arts, you might use 'reproduce' when talking about making a copy of a painting or a sound. Finally, 'mock up' is a great phrasal verb used in design and engineering to describe creating a non-functional or semi-functional model for visual or spatial testing. 'We mocked up the dashboard before simulating the user interface.' Choosing between these words depends on whether you are focusing on the appearance (mimic), the function (simulate), the exactness (replicate), or the internal logic (emulate).

Emulate vs. Simulate: Emulation focuses on internal replication (software/hardware); simulation focuses on external behavior modeling.

They decided to reproduce the historical battle using digital animation.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The word 'simultaneous' (happening at the same time) comes from the same Latin root 'simul' (together, at the same time), which is related to 'similis'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈsɪm.jə.leɪt/

US /ˈsɪm.jə.leɪt/

Primary stress is on the first syllable: SIM-u-late.

Rhymes With

stimulate formulate calculate populate regulate stipulate articulate manipulate

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'stimulate' (adding a 't' sound).
Stress on the last syllable: sim-u-LATE.
Confusing the vowel in the middle with 'i' (sim-i-late).
Pronouncing the 'u' as a long 'oo' sound (sim-oo-late).
Mumbling the last syllable so it sounds like 'sim-u-let'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Common in technical and academic texts, but requires context to distinguish from 'stimulate'.

Writing 5/5

Requires correct transitive usage and understanding of formal collocations.

Speaking 5/5

Pronunciation is key; avoid the 'stimulate' trap in fast speech.

Listening 4/5

Easily confused with similar-sounding words in noisy environments.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

model copy pretend similar real

Learn Next

emulate replicate stochastic fidelity prototype

Advanced

simulacrum epistemology ontology hyperreality computational

Grammar to Know

Transitive Verbs

You simulate [object]. Correct: 'Simulate the flight.' Incorrect: 'Simulate about the flight.'

Present Continuous for Current Modeling

We are simulating the data right now.

Infinitive of Purpose

He used the model to simulate the wind.

Passive Voice in Scientific Writing

The conditions were simulated in a controlled lab.

Adverbial Placement

The program can accurately simulate light.

Examples by Level

The children simulate a space mission in their backyard.

Los niños simulan una misión espacial en su patio trasero.

Present simple tense.

This game can simulate a real farm.

Este juego puede simular una granja real.

Modal verb 'can' + base form.

He likes to simulate the sound of a train.

A él le gusta simular el sonido de un tren.

Infinitive 'to simulate' as an object.

The toy does not simulate a real phone well.

El juguete no simula bien un teléfono real.

Negative present simple.

We simulate a rainstorm with a spray bottle.

Simulamos una tormenta de lluvia con una botella de spray.

Subject + verb + object.

Can you simulate a bird's song?

¿Puedes simular el canto de un pájaro?

Question form with 'can'.

The light simulates the sun in the room.

La luz simula el sol en la habitación.

Third person singular 's'.

They simulate a race with their toy cars.

Simulan una carrera con sus coches de juguete.

Plural subject + base verb.

The flight school uses a machine to simulate flying.

La escuela de vuelo utiliza una máquina para simular el vuelo.

Infinitive of purpose.

Computer models simulate how the weather changes.

Los modelos informáticos simulan cómo cambia el clima.

Plural subject.

They simulated the crash to see what would happen.

Simularon el choque para ver qué pasaría.

Past simple tense.

The app can simulate different guitar sounds.

La aplicación puede simular diferentes sonidos de guitarra.

Modal + base form.

It is hard to simulate a real conversation with a robot.

Es difícil simular una conversación real con un robot.

It is + adjective + infinitive.

The museum display simulates the bottom of the ocean.

La exhibición del museo simula el fondo del océano.

Third person singular.

Scientists simulate the growth of plants in space.

Los científicos simulan el crecimiento de las plantas en el espacio.

Present simple.

The training will simulate a busy day at the hospital.

El entrenamiento simulará un día ocupado en el hospital.

Future with 'will'.

The software is designed to simulate complex financial markets.

El software está diseñado para simular mercados financieros complejos.

Passive voice 'is designed'.

He tried to simulate a calm expression during the interview.

Intentó simular una expresión tranquila durante la entrevista.

Verb 'try' + infinitive.

By simulating various scenarios, they found the best solution.

Al simular varios escenarios, encontraron la mejor solución.

Gerund after 'by'.

The experiment will simulate the conditions of a desert.

El experimento simulará las condiciones de un desierto.

Future tense.

It’s impossible to perfectly simulate the human brain.

Es imposible simular perfectamente el cerebro humano.

Adverb 'perfectly' modifying 'simulate'.

Does this program simulate wind resistance accurately?

¿Este programa simula la resistencia al viento con precisión?

Interrogative present simple.

The actors had to simulate a zero-gravity environment.

Los actores tuvieron que simular un entorno de gravedad cero.

Modal 'had to'.

We are simulating the effect of the new tax on families.

Estamos simulando el efecto del nuevo impuesto en las familias.

Present continuous tense.

The pilot was praised for his ability to simulate emergency landings.

El piloto fue elogiado por su capacidad para simular aterrizajes de emergencia.

Noun 'ability' + infinitive.

Advanced AI can simulate human-like conversations with ease.

La IA avanzada puede simular conversaciones similares a las humanas con facilidad.

Compound adjective 'human-like'.

The study simulated the long-term effects of sleep deprivation.

El estudio simuló los efectos a largo plazo de la privación del sueño.

Past simple.

Engineers simulate structural stress to prevent bridge collapses.

Los ingenieros simulan el estrés estructural para prevenir colapsos de puentes.

Infinitive of purpose.

The virtual reality headset simulates a 360-degree environment.

El visor de realidad virtual simula un entorno de 360 grados.

Third person singular.

It is essential to simulate the impact before launching the product.

Es esencial simular el impacto antes de lanzar el producto.

Gerund 'launching' after 'before'.

They used a supercomputer to simulate the galaxy's formation.

Utilizaron una supercomputadora para simular la formación de la galaxia.

Past simple.

The software simulates the flow of fluids through a pipe.

El software simula el flujo de fluidos a través de una tubería.

Present simple.

The researchers aimed to simulate the complex interplay of socio-economic factors.

Los investigadores pretendían simular la compleja interacción de factores socioeconómicos.

Verb 'aimed' + infinitive.

High-fidelity mannequins are used to simulate life-threatening medical emergencies.

Se utilizan maniquíes de alta fidelidad para simular emergencias médicas potencialmente mortales.

Passive voice + adjective 'high-fidelity'.

Can we ever truly simulate the subjective experience of consciousness?

¿Podremos alguna vez simular verdaderamente la experiencia subjetiva de la conciencia?

Adverb 'truly' between modal and verb.

The algorithm was designed to simulate the natural selection process.

El algoritmo fue diseñado para simular el proceso de selección natural.

Passive voice.

They simulated the earthquake's impact on high-rise buildings.

Simularon el impacto del terremoto en edificios de gran altura.

Possessive 'earthquake's'.

The software simulates the physical properties of various materials.

El software simula las propiedades físicas de varios materiales.

Present simple.

Philosophers debate whether a computer can simulate genuine understanding.

Los filósofos debaten si una computadora puede simular una comprensión genuina.

Noun clause starting with 'whether'.

The drill was intended to simulate a massive cyberattack on the power grid.

El simulacro tenía como objetivo simular un ciberataque masivo a la red eléctrica.

Passive 'was intended'.

Post-structuralist theory often explores how media simulate a reality that does not exist.

La teoría postestructuralista a menudo explora cómo los medios simulan una realidad que no existe.

Complex sentence with relative clause.

The Monte Carlo method is used to simulate the probability of various outcomes in stochastic processes.

El método de Monte Carlo se utiliza para simular la probabilidad de varios resultados en procesos estocásticos.

Technical vocabulary: 'stochastic'.

If we could simulate every atom in the universe, would we have created a new one?

Si pudiéramos simular cada átomo del universo, ¿habríamos creado uno nuevo?

Second conditional sentence.

The game engine uses ray tracing to simulate light transport with unprecedented realism.

El motor de juego utiliza el trazado de rayos para simular el transporte de luz con un realismo sin precedentes.

Prepositional phrase 'with unprecedented realism'.

He was accused of simulating a disability to claim insurance benefits.

Fue acusado de simular una discapacidad para reclamar beneficios del seguro.

Gerund 'simulating' after preposition 'of'.

The neural network is trained to simulate the synaptic plasticity of the human brain.

La red neuronal está entrenada para simular la plasticidad sináptica del cerebro humano.

Medical/technical terminology.

By simulating the atmospheric conditions of early Earth, they synthesized amino acids.

Al simular las condiciones atmosféricas de la Tierra primitiva, sintetizaron aminoácidos.

Participial phrase.

The model simulates the intricate feedback loops of the global climate system.

El modelo simula los intrincados bucles de retroalimentación del sistema climático global.

Adjective 'intricate'.

Synonyms

imitate mimic replicate model feign reproduce

Antonyms

reveal actualize substantiate

Common Collocations

simulate conditions

simulate the effects of

accurately simulate

digitally simulate

simulate an emergency

simulate the impact of

simulate a scenario

simulate human behavior

simulate a crash

simulate the environment

Common Phrases

simulate a situation

— To create a fake version of a real event for practice or study.

The training course will simulate a situation where a client is angry.

simulate a process

— To model the steps of how something happens over time.

We can simulate the process of mountain formation in a lab.

simulate interest

— To pretend to be interested in something when you are actually bored.

She found it hard to simulate interest in his long story about his car.

simulate a result

— To predict what will happen using a model rather than a real experiment.

Before building the prototype, we must simulate the results.

simulate reality

— To create an experience that feels exactly like the real world.

Virtual reality is getting better at its ability to simulate reality.

simulate movement

— To make something appear as if it is moving when it is stationary.

The ride uses hydraulic legs to simulate movement.

simulate weightlessness

— To create the feeling of having no weight, usually for space training.

Diving underwater can simulate weightlessness for astronauts.

simulate a response

— To model how a system or person reacts to a specific stimulus.

The test is designed to simulate a response from the nervous system.

simulate a flight

— To use a flight simulator to practice piloting an aircraft.

The student must simulate a flight in heavy fog before graduating.

simulate a disease

— To model the spread or symptoms of an illness for medical study.

Computers can simulate a disease outbreak to help plan a response.

Often Confused With

simulate vs stimulate

To encourage activity or growth. Totally different from modeling.

simulate vs assimilate

To take in information or to integrate into a culture.

simulate vs dissimulate

To hide one's true feelings (the opposite of simulating a feeling).

Idioms & Expressions

"simulate the unsimulatable"

— To attempt to model something that is inherently unpredictable or unique.

Trying to simulate the human soul is an attempt to simulate the unsimulatable.

Philosophical

"in a simulated environment"

— Doing something in a controlled, artificial setting rather than the real world.

The pilots were tested in a simulated environment.

Technical

"simulated reality"

— A state where artificial experiences are indistinguishable from real ones.

He spent so much time in VR that he lost touch with simulated reality.

Science Fiction

"simulate to the letter"

— To model every single tiny detail of a process perfectly.

The program simulated the chemical reaction to the letter.

Formal

"simulated dive"

— In sports, particularly soccer, to fall down on purpose to get a foul.

The referee gave him a yellow card for a simulated dive.

Sports

"simulate a presence"

— To make it seem like someone is in a place when they are not.

The smart lights were programmed to simulate a presence in the house while they were on vacation.

Neutral

"simulated combat"

— Military training exercises that involve mock battles.

The troops were exhausted after three days of simulated combat.

Military

"simulate the past"

— To use data to recreate what historical events might have looked like.

Archaeologists use software to simulate the past architecture of Rome.

Academic

"simulated loss"

— A test in finance where a portfolio is subjected to a 'fake' market crash.

The simulated loss showed that the bank was well-capitalized.

Business

"simulate a life"

— To spend time in a life-simulation game or scenario.

Some people find it relaxing to simulate a life as a farmer in video games.

Informal

Easily Confused

simulate vs stimulate

They sound nearly identical.

Simulate is about copying/modeling. Stimulate is about exciting/activating. You simulate a flight; you stimulate a nerve.

Coffee will stimulate your brain, but a computer can simulate your brain.

simulate vs emulate

Both involve imitation in technology.

Simulate models behavior (external). Emulate models internal logic (internal). An emulator runs the same code; a simulator looks like the same experience.

The PC can emulate a GameBoy, but the game simulates a city.

simulate vs replicate

Both involve making a copy.

Replicate means to make an exact duplicate of the thing itself. Simulate means to make a model of how the thing works.

We can't replicate the sun, but we can simulate its heat.

simulate vs mimic

Both involve copying.

Mimic is usually for surface-level appearance or sound, often natural. Simulate is for functional systems, often artificial.

The bird mimics the phone, but the app simulates the bird.

simulate vs pretend

Both involve non-reality.

Pretend is for play or social situations. Simulate is for technical or systematic contexts.

Children pretend to be kings; researchers simulate a kingdom's economy.

Sentence Patterns

I use [tool] to simulate [thing].

I use my computer to simulate a race car.

The [system] is designed to simulate [conditions].

The tank is designed to simulate the ocean floor.

By simulating [scenario], we can [goal].

By simulating the crash, we can improve car safety.

It is difficult to accurately simulate [complex system].

It is difficult to accurately simulate the global economy.

The model fails to simulate the [nuance] of [subject].

The model fails to simulate the psychological nuance of human grief.

They tried to simulate [emotion].

They tried to simulate happiness at the party.

[Subject] simulates the way [Object] [Verb].

The software simulates the way light reflects off water.

The goal is to simulate [abstract concept].

The goal is to simulate the emergence of collective intelligence.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in academic, scientific, and technical English; less common in daily casual conversation.

Common Mistakes

Using 'stimulate' instead of 'simulate'. → The computer will simulate the flight.
Stimulate means to excite; simulate means to model.
Adding 'to' after the verb. → We need to simulate the conditions.
Simulate is a transitive verb and takes a direct object.
Confusing 'simulate' with 'assimilate'. → The software simulates the market.
Assimilate means to absorb or integrate; simulate means to model.
Using the noun 'simulation' as a verb. → We need to simulate the experiment.
Simulation is the noun; simulate is the verb.
Using 'simulate' for exact physical copies. → We need to replicate the part.
Simulate is for behavior/modeling; replicate is for physical duplication.

Tips

Use for Training

Always use 'simulate' when talking about professional training environments like flight, medicine, or the military.

Differentiate from Stimulate

Remember: S-I-M-ulate is for IM-itation. S-T-I-mulate is for T-riggering growth.

Direct Object

Don't use a preposition. Say 'simulate a storm,' not 'simulate to a storm.'

Computer Contexts

In IT, use 'simulate' for modeling behavior and 'emulate' for running software from another system.

Social Nuance

Use 'simulate' to describe faking an emotion if you want to sound objective or clinical.

Scientific Method

Use 'simulate' in research papers to describe how you tested your hypothesis using models.

Risk Management

Use 'simulate' when discussing how you plan for future market changes or potential crises.

Passive Voice

Use the passive voice ('was simulated') to focus on the methodology rather than the person.

The Sims

If you forget the meaning, think of the game 'The Sims'—it's a simulation of life.

Safety First

Associate 'simulate' with safety—it's what we do so we don't have to take real risks.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the 'SIM' card in your phone. It 'simulates' your identity to connect you to the network. Or think of 'The Sims' game, which 'simulates' a life.

Visual Association

Imagine a pilot sitting in a fake cockpit that looks exactly like a real one, with screens showing clouds and lightning.

Word Web

Modeling Imitation Technology Training Computers Safety Predictions Science

Challenge

Try to use 'simulate' in a sentence about a weather event and a sentence about a social interaction today.

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'simulatus', which is the past participle of 'simulare' (to make like, imitate, or feign). This comes from 'similis', meaning 'like' or 'similar'.

Original meaning: The original Latin meaning was primarily 'to pretend' or 'to feign', often in a deceptive way.

It entered English in the mid-17th century through Latin and Old French roots.

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'simulate' to describe a person's disability or illness, as it can imply they are 'faking' it, which is offensive if they are genuinely suffering.

In the US and UK, 'simulator' is almost always associated with flight or driving training.

The Matrix (movie series about a simulated reality) The Sims (popular life-simulation video game series) Flight Simulator (Microsoft's long-running realistic flying game)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Aviation

flight simulator
simulate a stall
simulate engine failure
simulated instrument time

Medicine

simulate surgery
medical simulation
simulate patient vitals
simulated trauma

Computing

simulate user traffic
physics simulation
simulate a network
digital simulation

Science

simulate the climate
simulate molecular binding
simulated results
simulate evolution

Finance

simulate a market crash
Monte Carlo simulation
simulate portfolio growth
simulated returns

Conversation Starters

"Do you think computer games will ever be able to perfectly simulate reality?"

"If you could simulate any experience without the real-world risk, what would it be?"

"Have you ever used a flight or driving simulator? How real did it feel?"

"Do you believe the theory that we might all be living in a simulated world?"

"How do scientists use models to simulate the future of our planet?"

Journal Prompts

Write about a time you had to simulate an emotion you weren't actually feeling. Why did you do it?

Describe a technical skill that you think is best learned by simulating it first rather than doing it for real.

Imagine you are in a high-tech simulator for a mission to Mars. Describe your first day in the simulation.

Discuss the ethical problems that might arise if we could simulate human consciousness on a computer.

Explain how simulating historical events could help us understand the past better.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but it often sounds technical or clinical. If you say someone is 'simulating an illness,' it sounds like a medical or legal observation. In daily life, we usually say 'faking' or 'pretending.' Using 'simulate' for people can sometimes imply a cold or robotic way of acting.

No. A 'simulator' is the machine or software that does the work (like a flight simulator). A 'simulation' is the act of doing it or the whole virtual experience itself. You step into a simulator to start a simulation.

Not always, but it usually is in modern times. You can simulate things physically, like using a wind tunnel to simulate air flow over a car model, or using a large tank of water to simulate the weightlessness of space.

They are very close. 'Model' often refers to the creation of the representation (the static part), while 'simulate' refers to the action of running that model to see what happens over time (the dynamic part). You build a model to simulate a process.

It is mostly neutral. In science and engineering, it is very positive because it saves lives and money. In social contexts, it can be slightly negative if it means being insincere or fake, but even then, it is less judgmental than 'lying.'

Yes, especially if you are talking about training, testing, or planning. For example, 'I used a software tool to simulate the potential outcomes of the project.' This makes you sound very analytical.

In sports, 'simulation' is the official term for trying to trick the referee into thinking a foul happened. It's considered cheating because the player is 'modeling' a fall that wasn't caused by the other player.

Yes. Historians and archaeologists use data to simulate how ancient cities looked or how historical battles were fought. This helps us visualize history more accurately.

It means a material that is made to look like wood but is actually plastic or metal. It 'simulates' the appearance of wood grain and color.

It is common in professional, academic, and technical environments. It is less common in very casual conversations, where people prefer 'pretend' or 'act like.'