English Dictionary

Definition of “ersatz

ersatz (ˈɛəzætsPronunciation for ersatz;ˈɜː-) 

Definitions

adjective

  1. made in imitation of some natural or genuine product; artificial

noun

  1. an ersatz substance or article

Word Origin

C20: German, from ersetzen to substitute

Usage examples

  • Bright ripples, reflecting in the ersatz moonlight, spread for an instant, then once again the water was still and dark.
    Garth Nix, LIRAEL: DAUGHTER OF THE CLAYR (2001)
  • Once limited to Superman, ersatz X-ray vision may soon become a reality, powered by the Seattle (US)-based start-up Microvision.
    Business Today (1996)
  • But we are invited to join hands in the ersatz and evanescent togetherness of the Games.
    Globe and Mail (2003)
  • Anyway a pizza in Naples spoils you for any ersatz attempt elsewhere for life.
    Glasgow Herald (2001)
  • Having ersatz sex like this -- in the form of watching porn -- is much more sensible.
    Victoria Coren, Charlie Skelton, ONCE MORE, WITH FEELING: How we tried to make the greatest porn film ever (2002)

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