adj
Uncommon
faux
foh
Faux (adj) means Fake or imitation, especially of a material or style. Example: “The jacket was made from faux leather.”
adj
1
Fake or imitation, especially of a material or style.
"The jacket was made from faux leather."
"She wore a necklace of faux pearls."
How to use faux
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes something designed to imitate a more expensive or natural material.
Common pairings
faux leather
faux fur
faux pearls
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The jacket was made from _____ leather.
Etymology
Borrowed directly from French faux, "false", the same root as the English word "false".
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for faux
See all rhymes for faux →Frequently asked questions
What does “faux” mean?
The word “faux” means fake or imitation, especially of a material or style. In plain terms, describes something designed to imitate a more expensive or natural material.
How do you pronounce “faux”?
“Faux” is pronounced foh (/foʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “faux” in a sentence?
Here is “faux” used in a sentence: “The jacket was made from faux leather.”
What part of speech is “faux”?
“Faux” is an adjective.
Where does the word “faux” come from?
The word “faux” comes from French. Borrowed directly from French faux, "false", the same root as the English word "false".
Is “faux” a common word?
“Faux” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between faux and fake?
Faux and fake both mean not genuine, but faux is typically used for materials and design styles, such as "faux fur" or "faux marble," giving a slightly more polished or intentional tone. Fake is more general and can carry a more negative or deceptive connotation, as in a "fake ID."
Why is faux leather called that instead of fake leather?
Faux leather is the standard marketing and design term because faux suggests a deliberate, often high-quality imitation of a material's look and texture. "Fake leather" is understood the same way but sounds more like calling out a low-quality knockoff.
What is a faux pas?
A faux pas is a social blunder or embarrassing mistake in etiquette or judgement, borrowing the French word faux, meaning "false" or "mistaken." The phrase is a fixed expression rather than a literal use of faux as an adjective for imitation materials.
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