Simulere

Simulere is a Latin verb meaning to imitate, feign, or simulate. In classical Latin the standard infinitive is simulāre, formed with the root simul- meaning “like” or “together” and the first-conjugation ending -āre. The principal parts are simulō (I imitate/feign), simulāre (to feign), simulāvī (I feigned), simulātum (feigned or feigned thing). The verb belongs to the 1st conjugation. Some textual variants may appear in manuscripts, but simulāre is the traditional form recorded in Latin dictionaries.

Usage of simulāre spans a range from mere imitation to deliberate deception. It can denote copying someone’s actions, presenting a false appearance, or pretending to possess a quality or knowledge. In rhetorical and literary contexts, simulāre often conveys pretense or subterfuge, while in everyday or technical language it can simply mean to imitate or replicate something.

Semantics and derivatives

The form and meaning give rise to a broad family of related terms in English and other languages. English derivatives include simulate, simulation, and simulator, all drawn from the Latin root simul-. The same root appears in related Latin words such as simulacrum (a likeness or representation). The root also appears across Romance languages in cognate verbs like simular (Spanish), simuler (French), and simulare (Italian), reflecting the same sense of likeness or imitation.

See also

Simulacrum, Simulation, Simulated reality, Simulate.

References

Common reference works for the Latin verb and its derivatives include the Lewis and Short Latin Dictionary and the Oxford Latin Dictionary. Etymology of the root simul- and its English descendants is discussed in standard etymology resources for Latin-derived vocabulary.