Definition

Made to look like something real in order to trick people, often used to describe fake money or goods.

Example

The police discovered a counterfeit bill in the cash register.

Conversation

Did you hear about those counterfeit tickets going around?

Yeah, I saw that! It's so sneaky of people to do that.

I can't believe someone would try to sell counterfeit items like that.

It's really disappointing; it ruins the experience for everyone.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

An imitation of something, usually a product or currency, that is made to look like the real thing but is not genuine.

Example

The police seized a large amount of counterfeit money during the raid.

Conversation

I heard there was a lot of counterfeit money circulating in the city.

Really? That's kind of scary!

Yeah, I read that some stores are checking more closely for counterfeit bills now.

Definition

To create a fake version of something, often to deceive others, such as making fake money or pretending to have an interest in something.

Example

He was caught trying to counterfeit a hundred-dollar bill.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you hear about that guy who tried to counterfeit money?

Yeah, it’s crazy how some people think they can get away with it.

I know! It’s so risky to counterfeit anything these days.

Root Explanation

Counterfeit → It is formed from "counter-" (meaning against or opposite) and "feiter" (from Old French *feiter*, meaning to make or to do). The word describes something made to imitate or oppose the original, often with the intent to deceive.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is made 'against' the original ('counter-') — that's why counterfeit means an imitation or fake.

Visually Confused Words