What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pirated
Example
The movie was pirated and uploaded to the internet without permission. [pirated: adjective]
Example
He was caught selling pirated copies of popular video games. [pirated: past participle]
knockoff
Example
She bought a knockoff designer purse from a street vendor. [knockoff: noun]
Example
The store sells knockoff versions of popular sneakers at a fraction of the cost. [knockoff: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pirated is more commonly used than knockoff in the context of illegal copying or reproduction of products, especially in the entertainment industry. Knockoff is more commonly used in the context of imitating or copying the design of a product, especially in the fashion industry.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pirated and knockoff?
Both pirated and knockoff are informal terms that are not typically used in formal contexts. However, pirated may be seen as more negative and therefore less appropriate in certain situations.
