Fake – Definition, Meaning, Synonyms & Antonyms

Fake - Definition, Meaning, Synonyms & Antonyms

Fake meaning refers to something that is not genuine, real, or authentic, often designed to deceive or imitate.

History of the Word Fake

Origin in Thieves’ Slang

The word fake has its origins in the thieves’ slang of the 18th century. It was used to describe counterfeit coins and forged documents.

Evolution of Usage

Over time, fake broadened in meaning to encompass any object, product, or information that is falsely created, altered, or presented to deceive or imitate something real. This could include fake identities, art, certificates, news, or products.

Modern Usage

In modern English, fake is commonly used to describe anything that is not genuine or authentic, often with the intent to deceive. It includes fake news, fake smiles, and fake leather, among others.

English (Fake As Adjective)

Etymology

Fake originated from thieves’ slang in the 18th century to describe counterfeit or forged items.

Pronunciation

Pronounced: /feɪk/ (FAYK)

Forms of Fake

Adjective Fake
Comparative Degree Faker
Superlative Degree Fakest
Adverb Fakely
Noun Fakeness

Derived Terms

  • Faker
  • Fakery
  • Faking
  • Fakish
  • Faked
  • Fake out
  • Fakeable
  • Fakeness
  • Fake it
  • Fakery

Translations

  • Spanish: Falso
  • French: Faux
  • German: Gefälscht
  • Italian: Falso
  • Portuguese: Falso
  • Chinese (Simplified): 伪造的 (Wěizào de)
  • Japanese: 偽の (Iitsu no)
  • Fake meaning in Hindi: नकली (Nakalī)
  • Urdu: جعلی (Ja’li)
  • Russian: Поддельный (Poddel’nyy)

Synonyms

  • Counterfeit
  • Forged
  • Phony
  • Imitation
  • Sham

Antonyms

  • Genuine
  • Authentic
  • Real
  • Original
  • Legitimate

Examples Sentence

  • She bought a fake designer bag.
  • His smile seemed fake.
  • The news article was full of fake information.

FAQs (People May Also Ask)

Can fake be used as a noun?

Yes, fake can be used as a noun to refer to something that is not genuine or authentic, such as a forgery or imitation.

Is fake always associated with deception?

Fake often implies an intent to deceive, but you can use it to describe imitations or reproductions.

What is the difference between counterfeit and fake?

Counterfeit specifically refers to something that is an imitation or forgery, often designed to deceive. “Fake” is a broader term encompassing anything that is not genuine or authentic.

What is fakery?

Fakery is a noun that refers to the practice or act of creating and using fake or counterfeit items, often with the intent to deceive.

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