What does it mean to 'emulate' someone?

To emulate someone means to imitate their behavior or actions with the intention of surpassing the individual being modeled. This concept encapsulates not just mere imitation but involves a level of aspiration to achieve or even excel beyond what the original did. The term implies an admiration or respect for the person being emulated, motivating the individual to adopt those behaviors or characteristics in hopes of achieving greater success or excellence.

In contrast, the other choices reflect different actions that do not capture the essence of emulating. Ignoring someone's influence suggests a lack of engagement, while criticizing their actions is a negative response rather than an aspirational one. Studying someone's methods may involve observation and learning but does not inherently carry the intention to imitate or surpass, which is a core component of emulation.