Faking: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone is pretending to be something they are not, often to deceive others, and usually has a negative connotation.

• He was caught faking his illness to get out of work.
• She was faking enthusiasm at the party.

Commonly used when someone is acting as if something is true when it is not, can be playful or deceptive depending on the context.

• Children often pretend to be superheroes.
• She pretended not to know him when they met.

Used when someone is pretending to have a particular feeling, condition, or injury, often to deceive others. Formal and somewhat less negative than 'faking'.

• He feigned surprise when he actually already knew about the party.
• She feigned interest in the conversation.

Used when creating a likeness or model of a situation or system, often in a scientific, technical, or educational context; usually does not imply deceit.

• Scientists use computers to simulate weather patterns.
• The flight simulator helps pilots practice.

Refers to something made in exact imitation of something valuable or important with the intention to deceive. Commonly used regarding money, documents, or goods.

• The painting turned out to be a counterfeit.
• They were arrested for producing counterfeit money.

Faking is often used when someone is pretending or imitating something or someone. It can refer to emotions, injuries, or actions that are not real.

• He was faking an injury to avoid running the race.
• She smiled, but I could tell she was faking her happiness.

Pretense is used when someone is putting on a false appearance or claim, often to achieve a specific result. It is usually less severe than deception but still involves some level of dishonesty.

• He visited under the pretense of checking on her health, but he really wanted to discuss business.
• Her pretense of innocence fooled no one.

Deception is used when someone is deliberately misleading or tricking others. This can take many forms, including lying, concealment, or manipulation.

• Her deception was discovered after months of investigation.
• The whole scheme was built on deception.

Counterfeiting is primarily used in the context of illegally producing a copy of something valuable, like money or art. It carries a legal and criminal implication.

• The police arrested the gang for counterfeiting currency.
• He was caught counterfeiting rare paintings.