A person pretending to be someone else, is called:

Question

A person pretending to be someone else, is called:

1. A. Imposter (Correct answer)
2. B. Liar
3. C. Rogue
4. D. Magician

Correct Answer

Option A — Imposter

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Imposter.

Key Points

• An imposter (also spelt *impostor*) is a person who pretends to be someone else in order to deceive.
• A liar merely tells untruths without assuming another identity, a rogue is a dishonest person generally, and a magician performs tricks openly as entertainment.

Additional Information

• The related noun is imposture, the act of such deception, from Latin *imponere*, "to impose upon".
• Other one-word substitutions in the same family: charlatan (one who falsely claims special knowledge), quack (a fake doctor), plagiarist (one who steals another's writing), forger (one who fakes documents).
• Distinguish imposter from impersonator, which can be a legitimate performer.