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counterfeit

Adjective

IPA /ˈkaʊntəfɪt/

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Meaning in plain English

Made to imitate a genuine item so that people can be deceived.

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Pronunciation

counterfeit/ˈkaʊntəfɪt/

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A genuine branded watch
A fake is presented as the genuine brand

A counterfeit item imitates the real thing in order to deceive a buyer.

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The bargain watch turned out to be counterfeit.
The shop trained its staff to recognise counterfeit banknotes.

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The bargain watch turned out to be ________.

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counterfeit — Made to imitate a genuine item so that people can be deceived.

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Made to imitate a genuine item so that people can be deceived.

Compare: The bargain watch turned out to be counterfeit.

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Word origin

From Old French contrefait, related to a verb meaning to make in imitation.

Did you know?

Counterfeit can also be a noun or a verb, but here it describes an item.

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