Emulation

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˌɛm.jʊˈleɪ.ʃən/ (American English), /ˌiː.mjuˈleɪ.ʃən/ (British English)

Definitions

• The effort to match or surpass a person or achievement, typically by imitation.
• The reproduction of the function or behavior of one system using another system.

Usage Examples

• Her emulation of great writers helped refine her style.
• The software provides an emulation of an older operating system.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin æmulātiō (rivalry, striving to equal or surpass), from æmulārī (to emulate).

Synonyms

• Imitation
• Replication
• Competition
• Rivalry

Antonyms

• Originality
• Neglect
• Opposition

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In American English, "emulation" is pronounced as /ˌɛm.jʊˈleɪ.ʃən/, whereas in British English, it may be pronounced as /ˌiː.mjuˈleɪ.ʃən/.

Historical Usage

The term has been used since the early modern period to describe both rivalry and technical simulation.

Cultural Nuances

In professional and academic fields, emulation implies respectful competition or technical reproduction, while in personal development, it suggests admiration-driven imitation.

More Information

Emulation is key in many fields, including software development, where older systems are replicated for compatibility, and in personal growth, where individuals strive to match their role models.