fake

Everyday

1. Fake means not real, made to look like something else, often to trick people. tree →
2. A fake is a copy made to trick people, like a fake painting or fake money. tree →
3. To fake something is to make a copy to trick people, or to pretend to have a feeling or illness. tree →
4. A fake person pretends to be something they are not. tree →

In the lessons

In online safety, there are fake news stories, fake accounts and fake websites; check facts with trusted sources and ask an adult. Fake messages may try to steal passwords. In stories, fakes and forgers are clues in mysteries. In everyday life, fake can be harmless, like fake fur or fake plants. Phrases: fake news, fake money, a fake smile, fake it, fake fur.

Examples

• That's not a real diamond; it's fake. tree →
• Don't trust fake news. tree →
• The painting turned out to be a fake. tree →
• He faked a cough to stay home. tree →
• The plant on the shelf is fake. tree →
• Watch out for fake messages asking for your password. tree →
• Her smile looked fake. tree →

Note

Opposite: real, genuine. Synonyms: false, pretend, counterfeit (money). Pretending to be ill to miss school is faking; it is dishonest. In maths problems, a "fake coin" puzzle often means one coin weighs a different amount.