What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
feign
Example
She feigned interest in the conversation to be polite. [feigned: past tense]
Example
He feigned illness to avoid going to work. [feigning: gerund or present participle]
fake
Example
The painting was a fake and not an original. [fake: adjective]
Example
She wore a fake diamond necklace to the party. [fake: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fake is more commonly used than feign in everyday language. Fake is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while feign is less common and refers to a specific type of pretending.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between feign and fake?
Both feign and fake can be used in formal and informal contexts, but feign may be considered more formal due to its less frequent usage.
