counterfeit — made in exact imitation of something valuable with the intention to deceive or defraud
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: made in exact imitation of something valuable with the intention to deceive or defraud
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈkaʊntərˌfɪt/
Example Sentences
- My friend bought a counterfeit iPhone and wondered why Siri spoke only Chinese!
- The counterfeit designer handbag fell apart after one day of use.
- Security features make it harder to counterfeit modern banknotes.
counterfeit
ADJECTIVE[/ˈkaʊntərˌfɪt/]
made in exact imitation of something valuable with the intention to deceive or defraud

Under the magnifying glass, the ridiculous smile on the counterfeit bill was clearly revealed.

COUNTER(desk) + FEET(feet) — hiding under the COUNTER and printing money with his FEET created terrible counterfeit bills.

To make a quick, dirty profit, the villain sold a painted rock as a counterfeit diamond.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Old French 'contrefait', meaning 'made in imitation', derived from 'contre' (against) and 'fait' (made), ultimately from Latin 'facere' (to make). The word entered English in the 14th century to describe fraudulent imitations.
Breakdown
counter- (against) + feit (from Old French 'fait', made) = counterfeit (made against/in imitation of the original)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My friend bought a counterfeit iPhone and wondered why Siri spoke only Chinese!”
“The counterfeit designer handbag fell apart after one day of use.”
“Security features make it harder to counterfeit modern banknotes.”
“He tried to pay with counterfeit money, but the cashier immediately noticed something was fishy.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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