1. Not genuine; counterfeit: This is the most common meaning. It refers to something that is a copy or imitation of the real thing, intended to deceive people into believing it is genuine. Examples:
* Fake money: Counterfeit bills made to look like real currency.
* Fake designer bags: Replicas of luxury handbags made to look like the real thing.
* Fake news: False information presented as legitimate news.
2. Insincere; not genuine: This meaning refers to something that is not genuine or authentic in terms of emotions or actions. Examples:
* Fake smile: A forced smile that doesn't reflect genuine happiness.
* Fake interest: Pretending to be interested in something you are not.
* Fake friend: Someone who pretends to be a friend but is not genuine.
3. To deceive; to pretend: This meaning refers to the act of making something appear to be real or genuine when it is not. Examples:
* He faked a smile.
* She faked a cough to get out of the meeting.
* The artist faked his own death.
4. Not real; artificial: This meaning refers to something that is not natural or genuine, but has been created or simulated. Examples:
* Fake fur: A material made to resemble animal fur.
* Fake nails: Artificial nails applied over real nails.
* Fake plants: Artificial plants made to resemble real ones.
The specific meaning of "fake" depends on the context in which it is used. It's important to consider the surrounding words and phrases to understand the intended meaning.