Emulative Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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emulative

[หŒษ›m.jสŠหˆleษช.tษชv ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

imitative nature

Emulative refers to the quality of striving to equal or surpass someone or something, often by imitating it. It indicates a competitive aspect, where one aims to achieve similar success or qualities as another party.

Synonyms

aspirational, competitive, imitative, striving.

Examples of usage

  • She showed an emulative spirit in her studies, always trying to outperform her peers.
  • The emulative tendencies of the younger athletes inspired their older counterparts.
  • His emulative approach in business led him to greater innovations.
  • The emulative nature of the rivalry pushed both teams to improve.
  • They adopted an emulative strategy to enhance their product line.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People may emulate successful individuals to boost their own motivation and self-improvement.
  • Studies suggest that observing others can influence our behavior, encouraging us to mimic positive actions.
  • This tendency can lead to both positive growth and negative comparisons in social settings.

Education

  • In educational settings, emulation can encourage collaborative learning, where students adopt effective strategies from peers.
  • Mentorship programs often rely on emulative behavior, with mentees learning by imitating their mentors.
  • Creating learning environments that celebrate emulation can foster innovation and creativity among students.

Pop Culture

  • Many successful musicians and actors are emulated by aspiring artists hoping to replicate their success.
  • In fashion, trends often arise from emulating iconic styles seen on celebrities or influencers.
  • Reality TV often showcases emulative behavior, with participants mimicking successful strategies for fame and recognition.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers like Aristotle argued that emulation can lead to virtue, encouraging individuals to improve themselves.
  • The concept of emulation ties closely to ideas of role models and ethical behavior in various cultures.
  • Some philosophies promote selective emulation, encouraging individuals to draw from a range of influences for personal growth.

Origin of 'emulative'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'aemulatus,' meaning 'to strive to equal or excel.'
  • The root 'aemulus' translates to 'rival' or 'competitor,' indicating a spirit of competition.
  • This concept reflects a long-held value in many cultures โ€“ aiming to surpass others.

The word 'emulative' derives from the Latin term 'aemulare', which means 'to strive to equal or excel', from 'aemulus', meaning 'rival' or 'emulator'. This Latin root relates to the concept of competition, where one party seeks to imitate or match another's achievements. The suffix '-tive' transforms the base into an adjective, highlighting the nature of the action. First introduced to the English language in the 15th century, 'emulative' has been used in various literary and philosophical contexts to describe not just competition, but the positive drive for self-improvement and excellence through the imitation of others. The usage of 'emulative' emphasizes both a respect for the original as well as a personal aspiration to achieve similar heights.