fake
fayk
Fake (adjective) means not genuine; made to look real in order to deceive. Example: “He was arrested for selling fake designer handbags.”
adjective
1
Not genuine; made to look real in order to deceive.
"He was arrested for selling fake designer handbags."
"The news story turned out to be completely fake."
"The shopkeeper spotted a fake banknote and politely refused to accept it."
noun
1
An object, person, or claim that is not what it appears to be.
"The painting hanging in the museum was later found to be a fake."
"The expert said the signature was a fake, copied carefully from the original."
"Don't trust that website, because it is a fake that copies the real shop."
verb
1
To make something appear real or true when it isn't; to pretend.
"She faked a smile to get through the awkward dinner."
"He faked an injury to get out of practice."
"The children faked a cough, hoping to stay home from school."
How to use fake
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething (or someone) pretending to be real or genuine when it isn't.
Common mistake
In sports, "fake" can also mean a deceptive move to trick an opponent — not just an object.
Common pairings
fake news
fake smile
fake it
faked injury
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Word forms
- Plural
- fakes
- Third person singular
- fakes
- Past tense
- faked
- Comparative
- faker, more fake
- Superlative
- fakest, most fake
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He was arrested for selling _____ designer handbags.
Etymology
First recorded around 1775 in British criminal slang; its exact origin is uncertain, though it may trace back to a German word meaning "to polish" or "spruce up."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for fake
See all rhymes for fake →Frequently asked questions
What does “fake” mean?
The word “fake” means not genuine; made to look real in order to deceive. In plain terms, something (or someone) pretending to be real or genuine when it isn't.
How do you pronounce “fake”?
“Fake” is pronounced fayk (/feɪ̯k/ in IPA).
How do you use “fake” in a sentence?
Here is “fake” used in a sentence: “He was arrested for selling fake designer handbags.”
What is another word for “fake”?
Words with a similar meaning to “fake” include artificial, bad, bogus, concocted, counterfeit and ersatz.
What is the opposite of “fake”?
The opposite of “fake” — its antonyms — are genuine and real.
What part of speech is “fake”?
Depending on how it is used, “fake” can be an adjective, a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “fake” come from?
The word “fake” dates back to around 1775 and comes from German. First recorded around 1775 in British criminal slang; its exact origin is uncertain, though it may trace back to a German word meaning "to polish" or "spruce up.".
Is “fake” a common word?
“Fake” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between fake and artificial?
Both describe something that is not genuine, but the intent differs. Artificial simply means made by humans rather than occurring naturally, like artificial flowers, with no dishonesty implied. Fake carries the idea of deception — something made to look real specifically so people are fooled into believing it is authentic.
What is the difference between fake and counterfeit?
Counterfeit is a narrower term: it usually refers to an unauthorised copy of a branded or official item — money, designer goods, documents — made to pass as the real thing for profit. Fake is broader and covers anything not genuine, from forged art to insincere emotions or false information.
Is fake a positive or negative word?
Fake is almost always negative. Because it implies an intention to deceive, calling something or someone fake suggests dishonesty, poor quality, or a lack of authenticity. Even in casual use — a fake smile, a fake friend — it signals that appearances are hiding the truth rather than reflecting it.
What is the opposite of fake?
The clearest opposites are real, genuine, and authentic. Where fake describes something designed to imitate or mislead, these words describe something that is exactly what it claims to be. Related opposites include original, as against a copy, and sincere, when describing feelings or behaviour rather than objects.
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