Artefacts: meaning, definitions and examples

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artefacts

[ˈɑːtɪfækts ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in history

Objects made by humans, usually for a specific purpose, that are of historical or cultural interest.

Synonyms

antiques, artworks, relics.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
artefacts	Objects made by humans in the past, especially those of historical or cultural significance. The museum's collection includes ancient artefacts from the Roman Empire
relics	Objects surviving from an earlier time, often with religious or sentimental value. Commonly considered sacred or holy. The church displays relics of saints that attract many pilgrims each year
antiques	Old and valuable objects, often collected for their beauty, craftsmanship, or historical interest. She loves shopping for antiques at local flea markets and auction houses
artworks	Pieces of art, such as paintings, drawings, sculptures, or other artistic creations, typically valued for their aesthetic quality. The gallery showcases modern artworks from contemporary artists around the world

Examples of usage

Archaeologists discovered ancient artefacts in the tomb.
The museum has a collection of artefacts from different civilizations.
The artefacts found at the site shed light on the daily lives of ancient people.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in technology

Pieces of equipment or technology that are used in a particular field or activity.

Synonyms

devices, instruments, tools.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
artefacts	Use when talking about objects made by humans, usually of cultural or historical significance. The museum displayed ancient artefacts from the Roman Empire Archaeologists discovered artefacts from the Bronze Age
devices	Refers to mechanical or electronic equipment created for a specific purpose. He uses multiple devices to stay connected, including a smartphone and a tablet The kitchen is filled with modern cooking devices
tools	Loosely refers to handheld objects used to carry out a particular function or task, especially in building or repair. He reached for his tools to fix the broken chair Carpenters rely heavily on their tools to craft furniture
instruments	Typically used for tools that measure, detect, or produce; often in scientific or musical contexts. The scientist used precise instruments to measure the chemical reaction She plays several musical instruments, including the piano and guitar

Examples of usage

The latest digital artefacts revolutionized the way we communicate.
Scientists are constantly developing new artefacts for medical research.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'artefact' comes from Latin, where 'arte' means 'by skill' and 'factum' means 'made.'
In different cultures, artifacts may be referred to by various terms, but they all share the idea of being created by human hands.

Archaeology

Artefacts are crucial for archaeologists as they help piece together stories of ancient civilizations.
Every artefact found in an excavation site provides clues about the tools, beliefs, and lifestyles of past cultures.

Cultural Significance

Artefacts offer insight into the traditions, arts, and daily life of societies, enabling better understanding across generations.
Museums display artefacts to educate visitors, highlighting the cultural heritage and history of various peoples.

Innovation and Technology

Many artefacts have led to groundbreaking discoveries in technology, revealing early lapses in innovation like simple machines.
The study of artefacts can show how technologies evolved over time, shaping modern conveniences.

Literature and Art

Various authors have incorporated artefacts into their narratives, using them as symbols of power, loss, or memory.
In art, many famous pieces serve as artefacts, bridging historical periods, reflecting societal values and changes.

Translations

Translations of the word "artefacts" in other languages:

🇵🇹 artefatos

🇮🇳 कलाकृतियाँ

🇩🇪 Artefakte

🇮🇩 artefak

🇺🇦 артефакти

🇵🇱 artefakty

🇯🇵 アーティファクト

🇫🇷 artéfacts

🇪🇸 artefactos

🇹🇷 eserler

🇰🇷 유물

🇸🇦 قطع أثرية

🇨🇿 artefakty

🇸🇰 artefakty

🇨🇳 人工制品

🇸🇮 artefakti

🇮🇸 forngripir

🇰🇿 артефактілер

🇬🇪 არტეფაქტები

🇦🇿 artefaktlar

🇲🇽 artefactos

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,872, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
16869 materialistic
16870 conspired
16871 treasured
16872 artefacts
16873 bra
16874 alerted
16875 provenance
...