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Webster 1913 Edition

Emulation

Emˊu-la′tion

,
Noun.
[L.
aemulatio
: cf. F.
émulation
.]
1.
The endeavor to equal or to excel another in qualities or actions; an assiduous striving to equal or excel another; rivalry.
A noble
emulation
heats your breast.
Dryden.
2.
Jealous rivalry; envy; envious contention.
Syn. – Competition; rivalry; contest; contention; strife. –
Emulation
,
Competition
,
Rivalry
. Competition is the struggle of two or more persons for the same object. Emulation is an ardent desire for superiority, arising from competition, but now implying, of necessity, any improper feeling. Rivalry is a personal contest, and, almost of course, has a selfish object and gives rise to envy. “Competition and emulation have honor for their basis; rivalry is but a desire for selfish gratification. Competition and emulation animate to effort; rivalry usually produces hatred. Competition and emulation seek to merit success; rivalry is contented with obtaining it.”
Crabb.

Webster 1828 Edition

Emulation

EMULA'TION

,
Noun.
The act of attempting to equal or excel in qualities or actions; rivalry; desire of superiority, attended with effort to attain to it; generally in a good sense, or an attempt to equal or excel others in that which is praise-worthy, without the desire of depressing others. Rom.11. In a bad sense, a striving to equal or do more than others to obtain carnal favors or honors. Val.5.
1.
An ardor kindled by the praise-worthy examples of others, inciting to imitate them, or to equal or excel them.
A noble emulation heats your breast.
2.
Contest; contention; strife; competition; rivalry accompanied with a desire of depressing another.
Such factious emulations shall arise.

Definition 2024

emulation

emulation

See also: émulation

English

Alternative forms

Noun

emulation ‎(plural emulations)

  1. The endeavor or desire to equal or excel someone else in qualities or actions.
    ... is a great figure who is worthy of respect and emulation.
  2. (obsolete) Jealous rivalry; envy; envious contention.
    • 1621, Robert Burton, The Anatomy of Melancholy, New York Review Books 2001, p.263:
      Scarce two gentlemen dwell together in the country […], but there is emulation betwixt them and their servants, some quarrel or some grudge betwixt their wives or children […].
  3. (computing) Running a program or other software designed for a different system.

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Translations

Etymology

From Middle French émulation, from Latin aemulātiōnem, accusative singular form of aemulātiō.

Pronunciation

  • (UK) IPA(key): /ɛmjʊˈleɪʃən/
  • Rhymes: -eɪʃən

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