imitation leather
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A synthetic material manufactured to visually and texturally resemble genuine leather, but typically made from plastics like polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It is used as a less expensive and animal-free alternative.
Usage
"Imitation leather" is used as a non-count noun to describe the material itself. It is common in product descriptions for furniture, clothing, accessories, and automotive interiors.
Examples
- The car's seats are upholstered in durable imitation leather.
- This jacket is made from high-quality imitation leather that is easy to clean.
- Many modern wallets use imitation leather for its consistency and lower cost.
Advanced Usage
- The term is often used in contrast to "genuine leather" or "real leather" to specify the material's composition honestly.
- In manufacturing and design contexts, specific types like "PU leather" or "vinyl" may be used, but "imitation leather" serves as a general, understandable category.
Variants and Related Words
- Faux leather: A direct synonym, from the French word for "false." It is equally common and may sound slightly more modern or stylish.
- Vegan leather: A term emphasizing that the material contains no animal products. This can refer to imitation leather but also to newer materials made from plants like pineapple or cactus.
- Pleather (informal, portmanteau): A blend of "plastic" and "leather." This term is casual and sometimes carries a negative connotation regarding quality.
- Leatherette: Another synonym, often used in specific contexts like automotive or furniture detailing.
Synonyms
- Faux leather
- Synthetic leather
- Artificial leather
- Vinyl (when referring to a PVC-based type)
Antonyms
- Genuine leather
- Real leather
- Full-grain leather
- Suede (genuine)
Noun
- fabric made to look like leather