I. ˈem-yə-ˌlāt, -yü- transitive verb
( -lat·ed ; -lat·ing )
Etymology: Latin aemulatus, past participle of aemulari, from aemulus rivaling
Date: 1582
1.
a. : to strive to equal or excel
b. : imitate ; especially : to imitate by means of an emulator
2. : to equal or approach equality with
II. -lət adjective
Date: 1602
obsolete : emulous 1b
pricked on by a most emulate pride — Shakespeare