'emulate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'aemulatus,' where 'aemulus' meant 'rival.'

'aemulatus' transformed into the French word 'émuler,' and eventually became the modern English word 'emulate' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to rival or compete with,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to imitate or strive to equal.'