Refers to something that is not genuine, often with a negative connotation of being counterfeit or deceptive.
This branded item is a fake.
His kindness is nothing but a sham.
Standard kanji-kana mixed spelling.
Alternate kanji spelling using 紛.
Rarely used kanji form.
Compound of まがい (continuative form of まがう 'to resemble closely, to be mistaken for') + 物 (もの 'thing'). The kanji 紛 and 擬 are used for their meanings of 'confusion' and 'imitation', respectively.