simulate
gb/sˈɪmjəlɪt/ us/sˈɪmjəlɪt/
B2
Anglais
~ 7800
Sens
0 sens
Verbe
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.
Schéma d’usage :
to simulate [process/situation]
Erreur fréquente :
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".
Synonymes
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.)
Antonymes
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
Thèmes
technology
|science
|work
Exemples
- 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.
Exemples pédagogiques
- 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.
Verbe
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.
Schéma d’usage :
to simulate [emotion/state]
Erreur fréquente :
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").
Synonymes
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".)
Antonymes
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
Thèmes
emotions
|communication
Exemples
- 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.
Exemples pédagogiques
- 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.
Verbe
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.
Schéma d’usage :
to simulate [material/appearance/effect]
Erreur fréquente :
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.
Synonymes
imitate (A general word meaning to copy how something looks or behaves; less formal and more widely used than "simulate".)
Antonymes
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
Thèmes
design
|everyday life
|core_vocabulary
|arts_entertainment
Exemples
- 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.
Exemples pédagogiques
- 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.
Grammaire
Forme canonique
simulate
API
GB/sˈɪmjəlɪt/
US/sˈɪmjəlɪt/
Syllabes et accentuation
sim - u - late (3 syllabes)
Stress on 1st syllable (sim)
Formes du mot
Verb
- Base: simulate
- 3rd Person Singular: simulates
- Present Participle: simulating
- Past: simulated
Famille de mots
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
Aucune expression n’est encore associée à cette entrée.