counterfeit etymology

Etymology:

The word "counterfeit" comes from the Middle English word "countrefete," which in turn derives from the Old French word "contrefait," meaning "imitated," "feigned," or "disguised." The word "contrefait" is itself derived from the Latin word "contrafactus," which means "made against" or "imitated."

Meaning:

The word "counterfeit" refers to something that is falsely made or imitated to appear genuine. It can specifically refer to:

  • A fake currency note or coin
  • An unauthorized copy of a copyrighted work
  • A product that pretends to be a genuine brand but is actually a knockoff
  • A person who pretends to be someone else
  • Something that is disingenuous or deceptive

Origin:

The use of the word "counterfeit" to refer to fake currency dates back to the 14th century. In those days, counterfeit coins were a major problem, as they could easily be passed off as real and used to purchase goods or services. To combat this problem, laws were passed that made counterfeiting a serious crime.

Over time, the word "counterfeit" has expanded to include any type of fake or imitation, not just currency. It is now widely used in law, business, and everyday language to describe things that are false or misleading.

counterfeit relate terms

  • contra

    Etymology The word contra is derived from the Latin prefix contra meaning against

  • counterfeiter

    Etymology Counter prefix Against in opposition to Feit verb To make archaic

  • counterfeit

    Etymology The word counterfeit comes from the Middle English word countrefete which

  • genuine

    Etymology The word genuine derives from the Latin word genuinus which means native

  • forge

    Etymology Old English forgian to fabricate forge counterfeit from Proto Germanic f

  • bogus

    Etymology Bogus Originated from a corruption of the name of the American inventor Samu

  • mock

    Etymology The word mock originates from the Middle English term mokken which means

  • plasma

    Etymology The word plasma derives from the Greek word plasma which means moldable s

  • feint

    Etymology Old English fent a trick or stratagem Middle English feinte pretense d

  • career

    Etymology Late Middle English cariere from Anglo Norman French cariere from Old Fren

  • pomp

    Etymology Latin pompa meaning procession parade Meaning A grand elaborate o

  • sentence

    Etymology The word sentence comes from the Latin word sententia meaning opinion j