fake
/feɪk/ IELTSAcademic
adjective
Not real; made to look real. A fake thing copies the appearance of something else, but it is not the genuine item.
- He wore a fake watch to the party.
- The painting turned out to be fake.
noun
A person or thing that is not genuine. It may be made to deceive people or to seem real.
- They found out it was a fake.
- Don't buy a fake from that seller.
verb
To make something seem real when it is not, or to pretend a feeling, action, or result.
- He tried to fake a smile.
- She faked confidence during the interview.
Adinary Nuance
Fake is broader and more casual than forged or counterfeit. Use forged for false documents or signatures, and counterfeit for copied money or goods. Fake can describe objects, feelings, and actions, so it is the most flexible of the three.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- giả
- Spanish
- falso
- Chinese
- 假的
- Japanese
- 偽物の
- Korean
- 가짜
Etymology
Fake appeared in English in the 19th century. Its exact origin is unclear, but it may be linked to older slang meaning 'to cheat' or 'to steal.'
Common phrases
fake newsfake IDfake smilefake money
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is fake a formal word?
- No, it is mostly neutral or informal. In business or legal writing, words like counterfeit or forged may be better.
- What is the difference between fake and false?
- Fake usually means not real or made to deceive. False often means not true, especially about information or statements.
- Can fake be used for feelings?
- Yes. You can fake a smile, laugh, or confidence when you are not really feeling it.
- Is fake common in everyday English?
- Yes, it is very common in speech, writing, and online conversations.