impostor
UK/im'pɒstә/US
GREA1
Definitions
n.
A person who deceives others by pretending to be someone else
冒名顶替者，骗子
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedFrom impose (im- 'on' + pos 'place') + -or (one who): an impostor is one who 'imposes' a false identity onto you — places a fake self in front of you to deceive. Note the spelling 'impostor' (AmE/standard), sometimes 'imposter.'
Root pos still carries 66 more wordsUsage Guide
Spelling: 'impostor' is the standard form; 'imposter' is a common variant. The fixed phrase 'impostor syndrome' (feeling like a fraud despite real success) is now very common in everyday and workplace English.
Example Sentences
- 1.
The impostor fooled the guards with a fake badge.
- 2.
Many high achievers secretly feel like impostors.