Nearby Words

ersatz

[er-zahts, -sahts, er-zahts, -sahts] Example Sentences Origin

er·satz

[er-zahts, -sahts, er-zahts, -sahts]
adjective
1.
serving as a substitute; synthetic; artificial: an ersatz coffee made from grain.
noun
2.
an artificial substance or article used to replace something natural or genuine; a substitute.

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Ersatz is always a great word to know.
So is lollapalooza. Does it mean:
a scrap or morsel of food left at a meal.
an extraordinary or unusual thing, person, or event; an exceptional example or instance.

Origin:
1870–75; < German Ersatz a substitute (derivative of ersetzen to replace)
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Example Sentences
  • The ersatz reefs, meanwhile, were good for marine ecosystems and local economies alike.
  • Our unions are often the final barrier against unsafe roads and hospitals, ersatz education and filth in our food.
  • Pity the lunatic fringe, poring over the lexicon to find an ersatz euphemism for suicide.
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Collins
World English Dictionary
ersatz (ˈɛəzæts, ˈɜː-)
 
adj
1.  made in imitation of some natural or genuine product; artificial
 
n
2.  an ersatz substance or article
 
[C20: German, from ersetzen to substitute]

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
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Dictionary.com's 21st Century Lexicon
Main Entry:  ersatz1
Part of Speech:  adj
Definition:  substitute, artificial and often inferior; using substitute components
Etymology:  German 'replacement'
Main Entry:  ersatz1
Part of Speech:  n
Definition:  an artificial substitute; imitation
Etymology:  German 'replacement'
Main Entry:  ersatz2
Part of Speech:  adj
Definition:  simulated, counterfeit
Etymology:  German 'replacement'
Main Entry:  ersatz2
Part of Speech:  n
Definition:  something similar in a superficial way
Etymology:  German 'replacement'
Dictionary.com's 21st Century Lexicon
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History

ersatz
1875, from Ger. Ersatz "units of the army reserve," lit. "compensation, replacement, substitute," from ersetzen "to replace."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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