They are very similar but there is actually a slight difference between the two. To imitate is to simply copy something. To simulate is to imitate the behavior of something or to create a situation where something is "played out" or recreated. For example... The kid imitated a lion by roaring. Stop imitating me (stop copying me) The kid plays a video game that simulates real life experiences. This presentation shows a simulation of deer population... Pilots use a flight simulator that simulates the sensation of flying a real plane. Basically, to simulate is NOT AN EXACT COPY; it is a played out scenario that "mocks" or "mimics" a certain situation. I hope this helps. It's confusing haha

'Simulate' means 'to create a situation where something is acted out or re-created'. This word is often used in experiments, where conditions are 'simulated', such as using a dark room with cooling air system to simulate nightime conditions. Also used in re-enactments, such as when a crime scene or accident is recreated at the same time of day so the conditions would be similar, or to 'simulate' the environment and conditions of the day of the incident. It could also be used in training, like flight simulation for pilot training courses or medical simulation for healthcare/clinical courses. 'Imitate' means 'to copy'. An imitation leather Hermès or Louis Vuitton bag is made of something that may look and feel like leather that comes with patchwork, zippers/buttons/embossed emblems, but if you look closely, it is not. Also with imitation perfumes, the fragrance is almost the same, but usually causes certain forms of skin allergies or even rhinitis. Imitate is used more often to refer to copies and re-productions, but the idea that the copy is somehow hiding the truth about something else is not always the case. Children will imitate the actions of their brothers/sisters/parents, such as imitating how they walk or certain habits or mannerisms they usually observe and find amusing.