Ersatz: meaning, definitions and examples

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ersatz

 

[ ˈɛər.zætʃ ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

substitute product

Ersatz refers to something that is a substitute or imitation, often of inferior quality. It is typically used to describe products or items that are not genuine or authentic, and thus may lack the qualities that make the original desirable.

Synonyms

fake, imitation, substitute, synthetic.

Examples of usage

  • The coffee was an ersatz version made from grains.
  • They offered an ersatz experience to simulate the original.
  • She felt disappointed by the ersatz luxury of the hotel.

Translations

Translations of the word "ersatz" in other languages:

🇵🇹 substituto

🇮🇳 प्रत Ersatz

🇩🇪 Ersatz

🇮🇩 pengganti

🇺🇦 замінник

🇵🇱 zamiennik

🇯🇵 代用品

🇫🇷 substitut

🇪🇸 sustituto

🇹🇷 yerine geçen

🇰🇷 대체물

🇸🇦 بديل

🇨🇿 náhrada

🇸🇰 náhrada

🇨🇳 替代品

🇸🇮 nadomestek

🇮🇸 staðgengill

🇰🇿 алмастырушы

🇬🇪 შეცვლილი

🇦🇿 əvəz

🇲🇽 sustituto

Etymology

The word 'ersatz' originates from the German language, where it literally means 'replacement' or 'substitute'. It was first used in the 19th century and became popular during the time of scarcity, particularly during events such as World War I, when items that were hard to come by were replaced with inferior substitutes. Its use expanded beyond food and goods to describe all sorts of imitations, especially those that seek to take the place of something seen as better or more authentic. In today’s usage, 'ersatz' often carries a negative connotation, implying that the substitute is of lower quality or is just not satisfactory, hence it is frequently used in both everyday language and formal discussions.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,006 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.