simulate (verb) - to replicate, model, or assume the characteristics, conditions, or appearance of; to feign or pretend [sim-yuh-leyt]
BREAKDOWN: SIMUL- (same) + -ATE (to make)
simulation is a process of enactment or imitation under anticipated conditions or rules
a simulator is one who simulates or a system or machine that conducts simulations
“Our brain simulates reality. So, our everyday experiences are a form of dreaming, which is to say, they are mental models, simulations, not the things they appear to be.” —Stephen LaBerge