What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Virtual vs Simulation - What's the difference?

virtual | simulation |

As nouns the difference between virtual and simulation

is that virtual is (computing) in c++, a virtual member function of a class while simulation is simulation.

As an adjective virtual

is in effect or essence, if not in fact or reality; imitated, simulated.

virtual

English

(wikipedia virtual)

Alternative forms

* vertual (obsolete) * vertuall (qualifier) * virtuall (obsolete)

Adjective

(-)
  • In effect or essence, if not in fact or reality; imitated, simulated.
    • In fact a defeat on the battlefield, Tet was a virtual victory for the North, owing to its effect on public opinion.
    Virtual addressing allows applications to believe that there is much more physical memory than actually exists.
  • * Fleming
    • A thing has a virtual existence when it has all the conditions necessary to its actual existence.
  • * De Quincey
    • to mask by slight differences in the manners a virtual identity in the substance
  • Having the power of acting or of invisible efficacy without the agency of the material or measurable part; potential.
  • * Francis Bacon
    • Heat and cold have a virtual transition, without communication of substance.
  • * Milton
    • Every kind that lives, / Fomented by his virtual power, and warmed.
  • Nearly, almost. (A relatively recent corruption of meaning, attributed to misuse in advertising and media. )
    • The angry peasants were a virtual army as they attacked the castle.
  • * 2012 , Chelsea 6-0 Wolves [http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19632463]
    • The Chelsea captain was a virtual spectator as he was treated to his side's biggest win for almost two years as Stamford Bridge serenaded him with chants of "there's only one England captain," some 48 hours after he announced his retirement from international football.
  • Simulated in a computer or online.
    • The virtual world of his computer game allowed character interaction.
  • Operating by computer or in cyberspace; not physically present.
    • a virtual''' assistant; a '''virtual personal trainer
  • (computing, object-oriented programming, of a class member) Capable of being overridden with a different implementation in a subclass.
  • (physics) Pertaining to particles in temporary existence due to the Heisenberg uncertainty principle.

    • Synonyms

    * de facto

    Antonyms

    * de jure * legal * real

    Derived terms

    * virtual reality * virtually

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (computing) In C++, a virtual member function of a class.
    • ----

    simulation

    English

    (wikipedia simulation)

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • Something which simulates a system or environment in order to predict actual behaviour.''
    • This exercise is a simulation of actual battle conditions.
    The most reliable simulation predicts that the hurricane will turn north.
  • The process of simulating.
    • Despite extensive simulation in the design phase, the aircraft failed to behave as expected.
  • Assuming an appearance which is feigned, or not true.
  • * '>citation
  • (soccer) The act of falling over in order to be awarded a foul, when a foul hasn't been committed.
  • * '>citation
  • * '>citation

    • Derived terms

    * computer simulation

    Related terms

    * simulate ----