Cool MatePretend vs Simulate
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Pretend
Simulate
| Pretend | Simulate | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/prɪˈtend/","/prɪˈtendz/","/prɪˈtendɪd/","/prɪˈtendɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/prɪˈtend/","/prɪˈtendz/","/prɪˈtendɪd/","/prɪˈtendɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈsɪmjuleɪt/","/ˈsɪmjuleɪts/","/ˈsɪmjuleɪtɪd/","/ˈsɪmjuleɪtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈsɪmjuleɪt/","/ˈsɪmjuleɪts/","/ˈsɪmjuleɪtɪd/","/ˈsɪmjuleɪtɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | to act as if something is true, even if it isn't | To imitate or copy something, often to understand how it works. |
| Example | Children often pretend to be superheroes during playtime. | Computer software can be used to simulate conditions on the seabed. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | C1 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | otherwise, at least, just, can no longer, try to, be dishonest to, to, go on pretending, just pretending, only pretending | accurately, closely, be designed to, be used to, try to |
| Antonyms | be honest, reveal | dissociate, neglect, ignore |
| Common mistakes | Mixing up with 'pretence' which is a noun., Using 'pretend' without a subject, missing the actor., Confusing past forms: 'pretended' vs. 'pretend'. | 'Simulate' is often confused with 'simulate' most people use it incorrectly as if it had a different meaning., Learners may forget to include the object after 'simulate', saying 'simulate' alone., Mixing up 'simulate' and 'emulate'. |
| Usage notes | Use 'pretend' when discussing acting or imagining. It's neutral and avoids negative connotations. Not suitable for serious or formal topics. | Used in formal contexts such as scientific or technical discussions. Avoid in casual conversation unless discussing games or training. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: Pretend vs Simulate
What's the difference between Pretend and Simulate?
Pretend: to act as if something is true, even if it isn't Simulate: To imitate or copy something, often to understand how it works.
Which is more common: Pretend and Simulate?
Pretend is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Pretend and Simulate?
Simulate is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Pretend and Simulate the same CEFR level?
Pretend: B1, Simulate: C1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Pretend and Simulate?
Pretend: verb, Simulate: verb.
Can you show an example of each?
Pretend: Children often pretend to be superheroes during playtime. Simulate: Computer software can be used to simulate conditions on the seabed.
Can I use Pretend and Simulate interchangeably?
Not always. Pretend and Simulate are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.