What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
counterfeit
Example
The police seized a large amount of counterfeit designer handbags. [counterfeit: adjective]
Example
He was arrested for counterfeiting money. [counterfeiting: verb]
fake
Example
The painting turned out to be a fake. [fake: noun]
Example
She faked a smile even though she was upset. [faked: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fake is more commonly used than counterfeit in everyday language. Fake is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while counterfeit is less common and is typically associated with specific contexts such as money or currency.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between counterfeit and fake?
Both counterfeit and fake can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, counterfeit is more commonly used in legal or technical contexts, while fake is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts.
