1. seeking to imitate or rival someone or something, especially in a way that shows ambition or admiration
Usage: often used to describe a positive, competitive spirit
2. characterized by or involving emulation; showing a desire to match or surpass others
Usage: formal usage

Examples

• Her emulative spirit drove her to study harder than her classmates.
• The young athlete had an emulative attitude toward the Olympic champion.
• Emulative competition among students can foster academic excellence.
• He admired his mentor with an emulative zeal.
• The company's emulative approach to innovation helped it catch up to market leaders.
• Students often develop emulative behaviors when they respect their teachers.