counterfeit
pronunciation
How to pronounce counterfeit in British English:
UK [ˈkaʊntəfɪt]
How to pronounce counterfeit in American English:
US [ˈkaʊntərfɪt]
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- Noun:
- a copy that is represented as the original
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- Verb:
- make a copy of with the intent to deceive
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- Adjective:
- not genuine; imitating something superior
Word Origin
- counterfeit (v.)
- late 13c., from Old French contrefait "imitated" (Modern French contrefait), past participle of contrefaire "imitate," from contre- "against" (see contra-) + faire "to make, to do" (from Latin facere; see factitious). Medieval Latin contrafactio meant "setting in opposition or contrast." Related: Counterfeited; counterfeiting. The noun and adjective are from late 14c.
Synonym
Antonym
Example
- 1. Industry figures argue that plain packs are easily forged , boosting the counterfeit trade .
- 2. In particular , auditors have improved their methods to confirm cash balances and detect counterfeit documents .
- 3. To guard against the risk of counterfeit documents , most auditors have over the past year stopped accepting bank confirmations in the post , mr gillis said .
- 4. No one should expect china 's counterfeit markets to disappear .
- 5. Sainsbury 's and boots have recalled thousands of tubes of colgate-branded toothpaste after discovering that the product was counterfeit .