emulate Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb strive to equal or match, especially by imitating
    • He is emulating the skating skills of his older sister
  2. verb imitate the function of (another system), as by modifying the hardware or the software
  3. verb compete with successfully; approach or reach equality with
    • This artist's drawings cannot emulate his water colors

WordNet

Em"u*late adjective
Etymology
L. aemulatus, p. p. of aemulari, fr. aemulus emulous; prob. akin to E. imitate.
Definitions
  1. Striving to excel; ambitious; emulous. Obs. "A most emulate pride." Shak.
Em"u*late transitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Emulated ; present participle & verbal noun Emulating
Definitions
  1. To strive to equal or to excel in qualities or actions; to imitate, with a view to equal or to outdo, to vie with; to rival; as, to emulate the good and the great.
    Thine eye would emulate the diamond. Shak.

Webster 1913