What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pretender
Example
The man was a pretender, claiming to be a doctor when he had no medical training. [pretender: noun]
Example
She was pretending to be interested in his hobbies just to impress him. [pretending: present participle]
fake
Example
The watch he bought turned out to be a fake Rolex. [fake: adjective]
Example
She was being fake when she complimented her friend's outfit but then talked behind her back. [fake: adjective]
Example
The news article was full of fake information and misleading claims. [fake: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fake is more commonly used than pretender in everyday language. Fake is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while pretender is less common and has a more specific usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pretender and fake?
Both pretender and fake are informal words that are used in casual conversation. However, fake can also be used in more formal contexts, such as academic writing or legal documents, to describe something that is not genuine or authentic.
