Simulation

ˌsɪmjəˈleɪʃən

nounmedium🔥Very CommonTechnology
2 meanings1 idiom/phrase3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

The imitation of a situation, process, or system. It can be used to test, analyze, or predict outcomes.

ˌsɪmjəˈleɪʃən

nounneutralmedium
Technology

An imitation or representation of a situation or process.

The engineer created a computer simulation to test the bridge's strength.

💡 Simply: Think of a simulation like a pretend game or a model. If you're designing a car, a simulation lets you test it on a computer before building the real thing. It’s like pretending to do something real to see what would happen!

👶 For kids: Pretending to be something real. Like playing pretend!

More Examples

2

The company used a market simulation to predict customer behavior.

3

The training program included a flight simulation to prepare the pilots.

How It's Used

Science

"Scientists use computer simulations to model climate change."

Technology

"Flight simulators allow pilots to practice in a safe environment."

Gaming

"The video game features a realistic simulation of driving."

2

The act of creating a simulation.

ˌsɪmjəˈleɪʃən

nounneutralmedium
Technology

The act or process of simulating something.

The simulation of the earthquake helped the scientists understand the effects.

💡 Simply: It's the actual *doing* of the pretending or the making of the model. It is the process of making something act or look like something real, but its not. For instance, we go into a simulation to prepare for a crisis.

👶 For kids: When you play pretend!

More Examples

2

The team focused on the simulation of different business strategies.

3

The actors went through simulation to prepare for their roles.

How It's Used

Military

"The military conducted simulation exercises to prepare for combat scenarios."

Medical

"Medical students practice on simulation manikins before treating patients."

Tip:The *simulation* is the action itself. It’s *simulating*!

Idioms & expressions

life simulation

A simulated environment designed to mimic real-life experiences.

"Many people believe we are living in a life simulation."

From Latin *simulatio* ('a feigning, a pretense'), derived from *simulare* ('to make like, to imitate'). It entered English in the late 16th century, initially referring to a feigning or pretense, and later evolved to encompass imitation and modeled representations.

The word 'simulation' has been used since the 16th century, initially referring to a pretense or feigning, especially in the context of deceit. Over time, it broadened to include the modern sense of creating a model or imitation.

Memory tip

Imagine you are *simulating* a battle with toy soldiers, creating a model of reality to understand the events better.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"to imitate, to make like"

computer simulationflight simulationmarket simulationrealistic simulationnumerical simulationclimate simulationsimulation softwareeconomic simulation

Common misspellings

simmulationsimilation

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written