adjective

counterfeit

counterfeit, fake, forged

The police seized counterfeit money.

The police seized counterfeit money.

He sold counterfeit designer bags.

He sold counterfeit designer bags.

((counterfeit)) + noun fake (sth.) The artist can spot a counterfeit painting easily.

Synonyms: fake, forged, phony; Antonyms: genuine, authentic

From Old French 'contrefait', meaning 'made in opposition'. 'counter-' (against) + 'fait' (from Latin 'facere', to make).

Think of 'counter' as 'against' and 'feit' (like 'feat') as 'made'. So, it's 'made against' the real thing.

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