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Impostors Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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impostors

[หŒษชmหˆpษ’stษ™rz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

among us

Impostors are players in the game Among Us who pretend to be crewmates while secretly working to sabotage the mission and kill the crewmates.

Synonyms

deceivers, pretenders, traitors.

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Word Description / Examples
impostors

Refers to individuals who pretend to be someone else to deceive others, often to gain personal advantage.

  • The company was scammed by impostors claiming to be legitimate contractors
  • She felt like an impostor accepting the award, even though it was well-deserved
pretenders

Applies to those who feign qualities, feelings, or identities that are not true to gain advantage or avoid consequence.

  • Many pretenders acted like they were loyal supporters, but their actions showed otherwise
  • She was a pretender in the group, always pretending to know more than she did
deceivers

Describes people who intentionally mislead or trick others. Can be used in various contexts including personal relationships or situations involving fraud.

  • Beware of deceivers who promise quick and easy financial gains
  • He realized his friend was a deceiver after discovering the lies
traitors

Used for individuals who betray trust or allegiance, often with a strong negative connotation. Commonly used in political or personal loyalty contexts.

  • The general was branded a traitor for collaborating with the enemy
  • Betraying the group's secret made him a traitor in their eyes

Examples of usage

  • Be careful, there are impostors among us!
  • The impostors are getting better at lying.
Context #2 | Noun

general

An impostor is a person who pretends to be someone else in order to deceive others, often for fraudulent purposes.

Synonyms

fraud, imposter, phony.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
impostors

Used to describe people who pretend to be someone else, typically to deceive others. It often has a negative connotation.

  • The meeting was disrupted by two impostors who claimed to be company executives.
  • She discovered the impostors only after they had swindled her out of a large sum of money.
fraud

Typically used in legal or serious contexts to describe deliberate deception for personal gain. It carries a very strong negative connotation.

  • He was arrested and charged with fraud for embezzling company funds.
  • The bank was involved in a massive fraud scandal that affected thousands of customers.
imposter

Used to describe an individual who pretends to be someone else, often to deceive. It is usually interchangeable with 'impostor' and has a negative connotation.

  • The imposter gained access to the secure facility by pretending to be an employee.
  • After investigating, they discovered that the supposed expert was actually an imposter.

Examples of usage

  • The impostor claimed to be a doctor but was actually a fraud.
  • She realized he was an impostor when his story didn't add up.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Impostor syndrome affects people across various fields, making them feel like a fraud despite their achievements.
  • Common among high achievers, those experiencing this may fear being discovered as a fraud.
  • Research indicates that up to 70% of people will experience feelings of impostorism at some point in their lives.

Pop Culture

  • Impostors are often featured in movies and novels, creating suspense and intrigue as characters unravel the true identity of facades.
  • Films like 'Catch Me If You Can' explore the life of a real-life impostor who successfully forged various identities.
  • The popular TV show 'Imposters' revolves around a con artist who deceives others by pretending to be in love.

History

  • Throughout history, many individuals have assumed false identities; one notable example is Ferdinand Waldo Demara, known as 'The Great Impostor' for his various fraudulent professions.
  • In the 19th century, confidence tricks known as 'grifts' became popular, highlighting societal fascination with deception.
  • Numerous historical figures have assumed fictitious personas for political or personal gain, leading to scandals and major historical events.

Literature

  • Many classic works, such as Shakespeare's 'Twelfth Night,' employ mistaken identities and deception as central themes.
  • The concept of the impostor can be seen in works from authors like Edgar Allan Poe, who often explored themes of duality and disguise.
  • Contemporary novels frequently delve into the psychological aspects of impostors, inviting readers to question reality and identity.

Origin of 'impostors'

Main points about word origin

  • The word stems from the Latin term 'impostor,' meaning 'a person who imposes on others.'
  • In the early 19th century, the term was often used to describe swindlers and fraudsters in literature.
  • By the mid-1800s, 'impostor syndrome' began to emerge as a psychological concept, where individuals doubt their accomplishments.

The word 'impostors' originated from the Old French word 'imposteur' and the Latin word 'impositor', both meaning 'imposer' or 'impostor'. The concept of impostors has been present throughout history, with various individuals pretending to be someone they are not for personal gain or deception.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,361, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.