Counterfeit - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Counterfeit means something made to look like a genuine item in order to deceive, such as fake money, goods, or documents. It implies illegal imitation for fraudulent purposes.
Definition:
Made in exact imitation of something valuable with intent to deceive or defraud.
Synonyms:
fake, forged, bogus, sham, spurious
Part of Speech:
noun, adjective, verb
Antonyms:
genuine, authentic, real
Common Collocations:
counterfeit money, counterfeit goods, counterfeit documents, counterfeit products, counterfeit bills
Derivatives:
counterfeiter, counterfeiting, counterfeited
Usage Tips:
Use "counterfeit" to describe fake items designed to deceive; often associated with money or luxury goods.
Common Phrases:
pass off as genuine, look-alike fraud, knock-off version
Etymology:
From Old French "contrefait," meaning "made in opposition," from Latin "contra" (against) + "facere" (to make).
Examples:
- 1. The police seized a pile of counterfeit bills at the border.
- 2. She unknowingly bought a counterfeit designer handbag online.
- 3. Counterfeit medicines can be dangerous and ineffective.
- 4. The artist was arrested for selling counterfeit paintings as originals.