emulate
Verb
Medium difficulty
What does “emulate” mean?
verb.to match or surpass (a person or achievement), typically by imitation.
SAT Usage
the term is often found in passages discussing ambition, achievement, or the influence of role models. It emphasizes the idea of striving to achieve excellence through imitation, highlighting the significance of learning from others, which distinguishes it from mere copying, as it suggests an aspiration to reach or exceed a standard.
Common Confusions
Emulate implies striving to match or surpass through inspiration and effort, while imitate usually suggests copying someone else's actions without the intent to improve or excel.
Do not choose emulate if the context emphasizes originality or uniqueness rather than matching or surpassing a person or achievement through imitation.
Example Sentences
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Young athletes often try to emulate their favorite professionals.