I think you might mean "fake" and "plated" separately. Let's analyze them one by one.
For "fake"
- Counterfeit
- Meaning: Made in exact imitation of something valuable with the intention to deceive or defraud. For example, “The police seized a large number of counterfeit banknotes.”
- Usage difference: “Counterfeit” is often used when referring to the illegal imitation of money, documents, or valuable goods. It has a more serious and criminal connotation than “fake.” It implies an intention to pass off the imitation as the genuine article for financial gain.
- Forged
- Meaning: To make a false or imitation copy of something, especially a document or signature, with the intention to deceive. For example, “The forged passport was detected at the border.”
- Usage difference: “Forged” is usually associated with the creation of false documents, signatures, or works of art. It emphasizes the act of creating a false representation through skillful means. While “fake” is a more general term, “forged” is more specific to the act of making a false copy, especially in a legal or official context.
- Phony
- Meaning: Not genuine; false or deceptive. For example, “He had a phony smile that didn't reach his eyes.”
- Usage difference: “Phony” is an informal term that emphasizes the deceptive nature of something. It can be used to describe a person's behavior, appearance, or an object. It's a more casual alternative to “fake” and often implies a sense of insincerity or false pretense.
- Bogus
- Meaning: Not genuine; counterfeit or fake. For example, “The salesman was trying to sell bogus health products.”
- Usage difference: “Bogus” is similar to “phony” in its informality. It is often used to describe something that is clearly false or without real value. It has a slightly stronger negative connotation and is used to express suspicion or disbelief about the authenticity of something.
For "plated" (in the sense of a thin covering to give the appearance of a more valuable material)
- Coated
- Meaning: Covered with a thin layer of a substance. For example, “The iron fence was coated with a layer of zinc to prevent rust.”
- Usage difference: “Coated” is a more general term for covering an object with a layer of something. It doesn't necessarily imply the intention to deceive about the material underneath, as “plated” sometimes can. It can be used for various purposes such as protection, decoration, or adding a specific property to an object.
- Laminated
- Meaning: Consisting of layers joined together. For example, “The laminated ID card had a protective layer on top.”
- Usage difference: “Laminated” emphasizes the structure of multiple layers. It's often used for documents, papers, or materials where the layers serve a functional purpose such as protection, durability, or to add information. In the context of giving a false appearance of a more valuable material, it's not as commonly used as “plated,” but it can imply a covering that changes the appearance or function of the base material.
- Overlaid
- Meaning: Covered with a layer on top. For example, “The wooden table was overlaid with a thin sheet of marble - looking material.”
- Usage difference: “Overlaid” is similar to “plated” in that it describes a layer on top of another material. However, it's a more general term and doesn't carry the same specific connotation of a thin, often metallic, layer used to give a more valuable appearance. It can be used for a wide range of materials and applications, including decorative and functional coverings.