Ersatz: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Ersatz adjective. Made as an inferior substitute for the real thing.
How to say it
AIR-zats/ˈɛːzats/
2 syllables, stressed on the first (AIR).
Ersatz in a sentence
Wartime ersatz coffee was brewed from roasted acorns.
The theme pub's ersatz Irish charm didn't fool anyone from Cork.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- imitation
- fake
- artificial
- substitute
Opposite:
- genuine
- authentic
Where ersatz comes from
German for replacement or substitute.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
The theme pub's _____ Irish charm didn't fool anyone from Cork.
- avant-garde
- toothsome
- ersatz
Show the answer
ersatz: The theme pub's ersatz Irish charm didn't fool anyone from Cork.