Copy vs. Emulate — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 8, 2024
Copy involves direct duplication of something, focusing on exactness, while emulate involves mimicking or striving to match, often improving upon the original.
Difference Between Copy and Emulate
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Copy refers to the act of replicating something precisely without any modification, aiming for an exact duplicate. Emulate, on the other hand, involves copying with the intention to equal or surpass the original in quality or performance.
Copy can be seen in contexts where exact replicas are required, such as in document reproduction. Emulate is used in scenarios like software development, where systems are designed to behave like another system but potentially with enhanced features.
Copy is often used in a straightforward, literal sense, such as copying files from one computer to another. Emulate, however, implies a level of skill or effort to not only replicate but also to understand and potentially improve upon the original.
Copy might not require understanding the underlying principles of the original as long as the outward appearance or function is replicated. Emulate suggests a deeper engagement, often requiring understanding why the original works as it does.
Copy can sometimes be viewed negatively, as it involves no originality or creativity. Emulate is generally viewed more positively as it connotes respect and ambition, aiming to reach or exceed the original.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Exact replication of original
Imitating with improvement
Intent
Reproduction
Match or surpass
Creativity
None required
Creativity and understanding
Use Case
Document copying, file duplication
Software emulation, skill development
Connotation
Often neutral or negative
Generally positive
Compare with Definitions
Copy
To replicate a file or data.
Copy the folder to the backup drive.
Emulate
In technology, to replicate one system's functions on another system.
The software emulates a Windows environment on a Mac.
Copy
To produce something identical to the original.
She used the copy machine to duplicate the report.
Emulate
In sports, to follow an admired athlete's techniques.
Young athletes emulate professional players to improve their skills.
Copy
In biology, to duplicate DNA.
During cell division, the cell copies its DNA.
Emulate
To strive to achieve the same level or better.
She emulates the work ethic of her role models.
Copy
In art, to reproduce another artist's work.
He copied the painting from a famous artist for practice.
Emulate
To mimic successful strategies.
Startups often emulate the business models of successful companies.
Copy
To imitate someone's actions or style.
The younger sibling often copies her older brother's homework.
Emulate
To imitate with the aim to equal or excel.
He tries to emulate his teacher’s calm demeanor.
Copy
A thing made to be similar or identical to another
The problem is telling which is the original document and which the copy
Emulate
Emulate, Inc. (Emulate) is a startup company that is commercializing Organs-on-Chips technology—a human cell-based technology that recreates organ-level function to model organs in healthy and diseased states.
Copy
A single specimen of a particular book, record, or other publication or issue
The record has sold more than a million copies
Emulate
To strive to equal or excel, especially through imitation
An older pupil whose accomplishments and style I emulated.
Copy
Matter to be printed
Copy for the next issue must be submitted by the beginning of the month
Emulate
To compete with successfully; approach or attain equality with.
Copy
A blank booklet or notebook used for schoolwork
You need a stock of exercise copies, A4 refill pads, and maths copies
Examinees will not be allowed to take pens, copies, or water bottles inside the test centre
Emulate
(Computers) To imitate the function of (another system), as by modifications to hardware or software that allow the imitating system to accept the same data, execute the same programs, and achieve the same results as the imitated system.
Copy
Make a similar or identical version of; reproduce
Each form had to be copied and sent to a different department
Emulate
To attempt to equal or be the same as.
Copy
Imitate the style or behaviour of
Lifestyles that were copied from Miami and Fifth Avenue
Art students copied from approved old masters
Emulate
To copy or imitate, especially a person.
People are endlessly fascinating, even if you'd never want to emulate them.
Copy
Hear or understand someone speaking on a radio transmitter
This is Edwards, do you copy, over
Emulate
(obsolete) To feel a rivalry with; to be jealous of, to envy.
Copy
An imitation or reproduction of an original; a duplicate
A copy of a painting.
Made two copies of the letter.
Emulate
(computing) of a program or device: to imitate another program or device
Copy
(Computers) A file that has the same data as another file
Stored on the server a copy of every document.
Emulate
(obsolete) Striving to excel; ambitious; emulous.
Copy
One example of a printed text, picture, film, or recording
An autographed copy of a novel.
Emulate
Striving to excel; ambitious; emulous.
Copy
Material, such as a manuscript, that is to be set in type.
Emulate
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.
Copy
The words to be printed or spoken in an advertisement.
Emulate
Strive to equal or match, especially by imitating;
He is emulating the skating skills of his older sister
Copy
Suitable source material for journalism
Celebrities make good copy.
Emulate
Imitate the function of (another system), as by modifying the hardware or the software
Copy
To make a reproduction or copy of
Copied the note letter for letter.
Copied the file to a disk.
Emulate
Compete with successfully; approach or reach equality with;
This artists's drawings cannot emulate his water colors
Copy
To follow as a model or pattern; imitate.
Copy
To include as an additional recipient of a written communication
Please copy me when you reply to her.
Copy
To make a copy or copies.
Copy
To admit of being copied
Colored ink that does not copy well.
Copy
To hear clearly or understand something said by radio communication
Mayday. Do you copy?.
Copy
The result of copying; an identical duplicate of an original.
Please bring me the copies of those reports.
Copy
An imitation, sometimes of inferior quality.
That handbag is a copy. You can tell because the buckle is different.
Copy
(journalism) The text that is to be typeset.
Copy
(journalism) A gender-neutral abbreviation for copy boy.
Copy
The output of copywriters, who are employed to write material which encourages consumers to buy goods or services.
Copy
(uncountable) The text of newspaper articles.
Submit all copy to the appropriate editor.
Copy
A school work pad.
Tim got in trouble for forgetting his maths copy.
Copy
A printed edition of a book or magazine.
Have you seen the latest copy of "Newsweek" yet?
The library has several copies of the Bible.
Copy
Writing paper of a particular size, called also bastard.
Copy
(obsolete) That which is to be imitated, transcribed, or reproduced; a pattern, model, or example.
His virtues are an excellent copy for imitation.
Copy
(obsolete) An abundance or plenty of anything.
Copy
(obsolete) copyhold; tenure; lease
Copy
(genetics) The result of gene or chromosomal duplication.
Copy
(transitive) To produce an object identical to a given object.
Please copy these reports for me.
Copy
(transitive) To give or transmit a copy to (a person).
Make sure you copy me on that important memo.
Copy
To place a copy of an object in memory for later use.
First copy the files, and then paste them in another directory.
Copy
(transitive) To imitate.
Don't copy my dance moves.
Mom, he's copying me!
Copy
(radio) To receive a transmission successfully.
Do you copy?
Copy
An abundance or plenty of anything.
She was blessed with no more copy of wit, but to serve his humor thus.
Copy
An imitation, transcript, or reproduction of an original work; as, a copy of a letter, an engraving, a painting, or a statue.
I have not the vanity to think my copy equal to the original.
Copy
An individual book, or a single set of books containing the works of an author; as, a copy of the Bible; a copy of the works of Addison.
Copy
That which is to be imitated, transcribed, or reproduced; a pattern, model, or example; as, his virtues are an excellent copy for imitation.
Let him first learn to write, after a copy, all the letters.
Copy
Manuscript or printed matter to be set up in type; as, the printers are calling for more copy.
Copy
A writing paper of a particular size. Same as Bastard. See under Paper.
Copy
Copyhold; tenure; lease.
Copy
To make a copy or copies of; to write; print, engrave, or paint after an original; to duplicate; to reproduce; to transcribe; as, to copy a manuscript, inscription, design, painting, etc.; - often with out, sometimes with off.
I like the work well; ere it be demanded(As like enough it will), I'd have it copied.
Let this be copied out,And keep it safe for our remembrance.
Copy
To imitate; to attempt to resemble, as in manners or course of life.
We copy instinctively the voices of our companions, their accents, and their modes of pronunciation.
Copy
To make a copy or copies; to imitate.
Copy
To yield a duplicate or transcript; as, the letter did not copy well.
Some . . . never fail, when they copy, to follow the bad as well as the good things.
Copy
A reproduction of a written record (e.g. of a legal or school record)
Copy
A secondary representation of an original;
She made a copy of the designer dress
Copy
Matter to be printed; exclusive of graphical materials
Copy
Material suitable for a journalistic account;
Catastrophes make good copy
Copy
Copy down as is;
The students were made to copy the alphabet over and over
Copy
Reproduce someone's behavior or looks;
The mime imitated the passers-by
Children often copy their parents or older siblings
Copy
Biology: reproduce or make an exact copy of;
Replicate the cell
Copy the genetic information
Copy
Make a replica of;
Copy that drawing
Re-create a picture by Rembrandt
Common Curiosities
What does it mean to emulate someone?
To emulate means to imitate someone in hopes of equaling or surpassing them.
Can emulation involve innovation?
Yes, emulation can involve innovation as it often seeks to improve upon the original.
Why do artists copy the works of others?
Artists often copy to learn techniques and understand styles.
Is copying necessary in education?
Yes, copying can be a learning tool, such as when students copy notes to help retain information.
How does emulation differ from simulation?
Emulation replicates behavior or functions, while simulation creates a model of how something might behave in different conditions.
Is copying always a negative action?
Not always; it depends on context, such as in educational settings where copying for personal practice can be beneficial.
What does it mean to copy something?
Copying means replicating something exactly without any modifications.
How do copyright laws affect copying?
Copyright laws restrict unauthorized copying to protect the creator's original works.
Can emulation be seen in the animal kingdom?
Yes, younger animals often emulate older ones in hunting techniques and survival strategies.
What motivates someone to emulate another?
Motivations can include admiration, the desire for improvement, or competitive reasons.
What is an example of emulation in computing?
Emulating a gaming console on a PC to play games not originally designed for it.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
