Words / C2

AIRZ-ats/ˈeəzæts/

Ersatz (from German) means a fake, usually inferior substitute: ersatz coffee, ersatz cheer. Fake and imitation are plainer; ersatz often sneers at the substitute. Synthetic can be neutral (synthetic fabric). Use it before a noun.

Meaning

A fake substitute, usually inferior (from German).

Examples

• “The café served ersatz coffee during the shortage.”
• “Wartime recipes were full of ersatz ingredients.”
• “The film offered ersatz nostalgia, all style and no memory.”

Good to know

ersatz + noun (inferior substitute). Plain: fake/imitation. Neutral materials: synthetic.

Near in meaning

imitation

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