Etymology Map
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Emulate

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means to match or surpass by imitation

Where does the word "emulate" come from? It comes from Latin aemulari, adopted directly into English (1580s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
aemulari
Latin · ancient
"to rival"
from 'aemulus', rivalling
2
Stage 2 of 2
emulate
English · 1580s
"to rival"
computer 'emulators' date from the 1960s
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Read the full story

Emulate’s story begins in Latin: aemulari meant “to rival.” From 'aemulus', rivalling. It reached English by 1580s as emulate. Computer 'emulators' date from the 1960s. Today, emulate means to match or surpass by imitation.