word 29

A.Word.A.Day

with Anu Garg

simulacrum

PRONUNCIATION:

(sim-yuh-LAY-krum)

MEANING:

noun:
1. An image or representation.
2. A vague resemblance to something.

ETYMOLOGY:

From Latin simulare (to simulate), from similis (like). Ultimately from the Indo-European root sem- (one) that is also the source of simultaneous, assemble, simple, Sanskrit sandhi (union), Russian samovar (a metal urn, literally, self-boiler), and Greek hamadryad (a wood nymph, who lives in a tree and dies when it dies).

USAGE:

"The game [Webkinz] also offers an outlet to exercise a simulacrum of control over aspects of their lives, an opportunity often not available in the day-to-day world."
Akin Ajayi; Every Kid Wants A Petting Zoo at Home; Jerusalem Post (Israel); Dec 3, 2009.
"Edward [the vampire] is stuck forever in the simulacrum of a devastatingly attractive 17-year-old boy."
Olivia Laing; The Mormon Queen of the Damned; New Zealand Herald (Auckland); Nov 21, 2009.
Explore "simulacrum" in the Visual Thesaurus.

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:

Live a good life. If there are gods and they are just, they will not care how devout you have been, but will welcome you based on the virtues you have lived by. If there are gods, but unjust, then you should not want to worship them. If there are no gods, then you will be gone, but will have lived a noble life that will live on in the memories of your loved ones. -Marcus Aurelius, philosopher and writer (121-180)

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