faux

IPA/fəʊ/
KK[fˈɔks]IPA/fəʊ/

faux — adjective

  • fauxpositive
  • fauxercomparative
  • fauxestsuperlative

1. describing a material or object that is made to copy the appearance of something

1.形容詞B1
釋義

describing a material or object that is made to copy the appearance of something more expensive or valuable, without being that real thing.

例句

Chidi bought a jacket made of faux leather because he wanted a vegan option.

collocation: faux leather / faux fur / faux wood

The ornate frame around the mirror was faux gold, but it looked very realistic.

同義詞
  • artificial

    broader term; can describe anything man-made, not necessarily an imitation of something valuable

  • imitation

    neutral term; 'imitation leather' and 'faux leather' are interchangeable

  • fake

    more negative connotation; suggests deception rather than a deliberate design choice

反義詞
  • genuine

    authentic, not a copy

  • real

    the actual natural material

文法句型

faux + [material noun]

用法筆記

Typically placed directly before a material noun (faux leather, faux fur, faux marble). Unlike 'fake', faux does not suggest the imitation is of poor quality — it often describes a deliberate design choice.

常見錯誤

❌She wore a faux necklace.
✅She wore a faux pearl necklace.
💡'faux' usually modifies a specific material or finish, not a generic object.
❌That person is faux.
✅That person is fake.
💡'faux' is not used to describe people; use 'fake' for a person who is not genuine.

2. describing an emotion or attitude that is displayed on purpose to impress others

2.形容詞B2
釋義

describing an emotion or attitude that is displayed on purpose to impress others, even though it is not genuinely felt.

例句

Eve offered faux sympathy when her rival lost the competition.

collocation: faux sympathy / faux concern / faux modesty

Kevin's faux outrage at the joke was obvious to everyone in the room.

同義詞
  • feigned

    more literary; describes emotions deliberately pretended

  • pretended

    more general; implies putting on an act

  • insincere

    direct description of the lack of genuine feeling

反義詞

文法句型

faux + [abstract noun]

用法筆記

Only applies to emotions and attitudes that are performed for social effect — for example faux modesty (pretending to be humble), faux concern, or faux outrage. Does not apply to lying about facts.

常見錯誤

❌He told a faux story about his weekend.
✅He told a fake story about his weekend.
💡'faux' for emotions/attitudes; 'fake' for fabricated facts or objects.