Words / C1

SIM-yool-ayt/ˈsɪmjuleɪt/

To simulate is to imitate real conditions: simulate a fire drill, a flight simulator. Stimulate (this batch) is encourage activity — a classic mix-up. Pretend is everyday and often playful; model can be the academic cousin. Dissimulate is hide your feelings (C2-ish). Do not simulate a genuine signature (that is forge).

Meaning

To imitate the conditions of a real event, often for training or testing.

Examples

• “The software simulates a crowded ticket hall.”
• “The software simulates queueing at the desk, not the smell of the hall.”
• “Do not write stimulate when you mean simulate: one wakes something up; the other copies conditions.”

Good to know

Imitate real conditions. Mix-up: stimulate (encourage). Everyday: pretend. Crime: forge a signature, not simulate.

Near in meaning

imitate

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