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simulacrum — an image or representation of someone or something; a superficial likeness or semblance

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: an image or representation of someone or something; a superficial likeness or semblance

Pronunciation (IPA): /sɪˈmjuːləkrəm/

Example Sentences

  • The AI chatbot was just a simulacrum of human conversation, lacking genuine emotion.
  • His Instagram life was a perfect simulacrum - all fake smiles and rented luxury cars.
  • The theme park created simulacra of famous world landmarks for tourists.

simulacrum

NOUN

[/sɪˈmjuːləkrəm/]

an image or representation of someone or something; a superficial likeness or semblance

a skilled artist puts finishing touches on a marble statue that looks exactly like the famous sculpture behind him. The artist's replica captures every detail and curve of the original masterpiece perfectly. Museum visitors walking by stop and stare, confused about which statue is the real one. Some point back and forth between the original and the copy, unable to tell the difference.  an image or representation that creates a superficial likeness of the original
💡 Concept

a skilled artist puts finishing touches on a marble statue that looks exactly like the famous sculpture behind him. The artist's replica captures every detail and curve of the original masterpiece perfectly. Museum visitors walking by stop and stare, confused about which statue is the real one. Some point back and forth between the original and the copy, unable to tell the difference. an image or representation that creates a superficial likeness of the original

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/sɪˈmjuːləkrəm/
🇬🇧 UK/sɪˈmjuːləkrəm/

🌳Etymology

Rootsimul
Suffix--acrum

Origin

From Latin simulacrum, derived from simulare meaning 'to imitate or copy.' In ancient Rome, it referred to statues or images of gods kept in temples.

Breakdown

simul- (to copy/imitate) + -acrum (result/thing made), literally meaning 'a thing made to imitate'

🎵Rhyme

spectrum
plectrum

🔗Collocations

create a simulacrum
mere simulacrum
digital simulacrum
simulacrum of reality
ancient simulacrum

📝Examples

“The AI chatbot was just a simulacrum of human conversation, lacking genuine emotion.”

😄 Fun example

“His Instagram life was a perfect simulacrum - all fake smiles and rented luxury cars.”

“The theme park created simulacra of famous world landmarks for tourists.”

😄 Fun example

“My cooking is merely a simulacrum of my grandmother's - it looks the same but tastes like cardboard.”

📚Related Words

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