What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
falsificate
Example
The accountant was caught trying to falsify the company's financial statements. [falsify: verb]
Example
The police found evidence that the suspect had falsified his alibi. [falsified: past participle]
counterfeit
Example
The store owner was arrested for selling counterfeit designer handbags. [counterfeit: adjective]
Example
The bank discovered several counterfeit bills in the deposit. [counterfeit: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Counterfeit is more commonly used than falsificate in everyday language. Counterfeit is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while falsificate is less common and is typically used in academic or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between falsificate and counterfeit?
Falsificate is a more formal word than counterfeit, and is often used in legal or academic contexts. Counterfeit is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
