emulate

/ˈɛm.jə.leɪt/

Group 4Difficulty 1/3

Definition

(verb)
To match or surpass, typically by imitation
GRE

Example in Context

Developing nations sought to emulate the economic policies that had transformed the region's most successful economies.

Synonyms

copymimicimitate

Etymology

To strive to match or surpass someone, often by imitation.

  • aemulari (Latin) — to strive to equal

Memory Aid

🦙Sounds like “emu late

An EMU that stays up LATE trying to dance like its ostrich friend!

Visual Association

👯An emu awkwardly attempting to mirror the graceful dance moves of an ostrich, flapping its wings.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “emulate” mean on the GRE?

emulate (verb) means “To match or surpass, typically by imitation”. Developing nations sought to emulate the economic policies that had transformed the region's most successful economies.

How to remember “emulate” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “emulate” sounds like “emu late”. An EMU that stays up LATE trying to dance like its ostrich friend!

What are synonyms for “emulate”?

Common synonyms: copy, mimic, imitate.