simulate
gb/sˈɪmjəlɪt/ us/sˈɪmjəlɪt/
B2
English
~ 7800
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B2
action
1
create a model of something
To make an artificial copy of how something works or happens, often using a computer, so you can study or practice it.
Usage pattern:
to simulate [process/situation]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "simulate" with "stimulate". "Simulate" means to copy or recreate how something happens (e.g. "simulate an accident"), while "stimulate" means to cause something to become more active or to grow (e.g. "stimulate the economy"). Also, do not use "as" after "simulate": say "simulate a conversation", not "simulate as a conversation".
Synonyms
model (Often used in technical contexts for building a mathematical or computer representation of a system; very close in meaning when talking about systems and processes.)
Antonyms
observe (Focuses on watching what really happens in the real world instead of using an artificial or computer-made copy.)
Collocations
simulate conditions
|simulate a real-world situation
|simulate behavior
|simulate results
|simulate an experiment
|simulate a disaster
Themes
technology
|science
|work
Examples
- The researchers used software to simulate climate change over the next fifty years.
- Pilots train on a device that can simulate almost any emergency situation.
- The engineer built a model to simulate how the bridge would respond to strong winds.
- We can simulate customer traffic to test how the new website will perform.
- The lab can simulate the extreme temperatures found in space.
Learner examples
- The program can simulate a car crash.
- Students used a computer game to simulate running a small business.
- The test room can simulate very cold weather.
- Scientists simulate storms to see how buildings will react.
- We simulated an exam situation to help students prepare.
Verb
C1
action
2
pretend to feel or be something
To act as if you feel or are something when this is not true, usually to trick other people.
Usage pattern:
to simulate [emotion/state]
Common mistake:
Learners often use "pretend" instead of "simulate" in all situations. "Pretend" is more common in everyday speech, especially with people (e.g. children pretending). "Simulate" is more formal and is often used in written or formal spoken English, especially in legal, medical, or academic contexts (e.g. "to simulate illness").
Synonyms
feign (A formal word that almost always means to pretend to have a feeling or condition, so it is very close in meaning to this sense of "simulate".)
Antonyms
genuinely feel (Emphasizes that the emotion or state is real and honest, not acted or pretended.)
Collocations
simulate interest
|simulate concern
|simulate illness
|simulate enthusiasm
|simulate surprise
Themes
emotions
|communication
Examples
- He tried to simulate interest in the topic, but his boredom was obvious.
- The actor could convincingly simulate severe pain.
- She simulated a headache so she could leave the meeting early.
- The child was accused of simulating illness to avoid school.
- It is difficult to simulate genuine surprise when you already know the secret.
Learner examples
- He simulated interest, but he did not really care.
- She simulated a cold to stay at home.
- The boy simulated pain when he fell.
- They simulated surprise when they saw the gift.
- The student simulated confidence in the interview.
Verb
B2
action
3
copy the look or effect of something
To make something that looks or seems like something else, but is not really that thing.
Usage pattern:
to simulate [material/appearance/effect]
Common mistake:
Learners may choose "look like" or "be like" instead of "simulate". These are correct but less formal. Use "simulate" when you want to sound more technical or precise, especially for materials, light, or visual effects.
Synonyms
imitate (A general word meaning to copy how something looks or behaves; less formal and more widely used than "simulate".)
Antonyms
differ from (Highlights that one thing looks clearly unlike another, rather than copying its appearance or effect.)
Collocations
simulate wood
|simulate leather
|simulate daylight
|simulate natural light
|simulate movement
Themes
design
|everyday life
|core_vocabulary
|arts_entertainment
Examples
- The floor is made of plastic designed to simulate wood.
- These special lamps simulate natural daylight in offices.
- The costume uses cheap fabric to simulate silk.
- The animation is so smooth that it can simulate real movement.
- The walls were painted to simulate stone blocks.
Learner examples
- The table uses a film to simulate wood.
- These lights simulate daylight in the room.
- The toy coins simulate real money.
- The wallpaper simulates a brick wall.
- The cheap ring simulates gold.
Grammar
Dictionary form
simulate
IPA
GB/sˈɪmjəlɪt/
US/sˈɪmjəlɪt/
Syllables & stress
sim - u - late (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (sim)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: simulate
- 3rd Person Singular: simulates
- Present Participle: simulating
- Past: simulated
Word family
Forms
simulates
verb
simulating
verb
simulated
verb
Core family
simulation
noun B1
Related words
simulator
noun B2
Advanced or less common
dissimulate
verb
dissimulation
noun
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.