Artful Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🎨
artful
[ˈɑːt.fəl ]
Definitions
description
Clever or skillful, especially in a deceitful or crafty way.
Synonyms
crafty, cunning, deceptive, sly.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| artful |
This word is best used when referring to someone who is skillful and clever, often in a way that is creative or artistic.
|
| cunning |
Usually implies skillful deception or trickery. It often has a negative connotation, describing someone who uses their intelligence to deceive or manipulate.
|
| sly |
Describes someone who is secretive and clever at achieving their goals, often using deceit. It has a negative connotation.
|
| crafty |
Used to describe someone who is clever and able to achieve things in a deceptive way. It often carries a slightly negative connotation.
|
| deceptive |
This word is used when someone makes others believe something that is not true, often to gain an advantage. It generally has a strong negative connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- He was known for his artful manipulation of the truth.
- She gave an artful performance that captivated the audience.
description
Showing creative skill or taste.
Synonyms
creative, imaginative, skillful, tasteful.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| artful |
Used when describing someone who is clever and good at using their skills, especially in a way that might be slightly deceptive or tricky.
|
| creative |
Best for describing someone who has a lot of new and original ideas, especially in the arts or when making something new.
|
| skillful |
Refers to someone who is very good at doing something that requires special ability or training.
|
| tasteful |
Used to describe something that is designed or done in a way that is aesthetically pleasing and shows good taste.
|
| imaginative |
Describes someone with a strong imagination or the ability to think about things in a creative and original way, often used in a positive context.
|
Examples of usage
- The artful design of the building impressed everyone who saw it.
- Her artful use of colors brought the painting to life.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- The term has been widely used in classic literature to convey themes of deception and cleverness through artistic expressions.
- Authors like Shakespeare often depicted artfulness in characters, emphasizing their wit and cunning.
Psychology
- Studies show that appreciating artful creations can enhance emotional responses and lead to greater enjoyment of experiences.
- Artful communication is linked to improved relationships, as individuals who express themselves creatively tend to connect better with others.
Cultural Perspectives
- In various cultures, being called artful is a compliment, demonstrating mastery in art forms such as dance, painting, and storytelling.
- Different forms of art, from street performances to modern installations, showcase how 'artful' can apply across diverse cultures and expressions.
Pop Culture
- 'Artful Dodger' is a famous character in Charles Dickens' 'Oliver Twist,' representing someone clever and smooth in their actions.
- The phrase 'artful deception' is often used in movies and novels to describe characters who use their skills to manipulate or outsmart others.
Origin of 'artful'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'artful' comes from the Old English 'earthen', meaning skilled or clever in a specific craft.
- Originally, 'artful' had a more positive meaning related to artistry, but it later gained a negative connotation relating to cunning.
The word 'artful' originated in the 17th century from the combination of 'art' and the suffix '-ful', meaning full of. It originally referred to being skilled in a craft or art, but over time developed the additional meaning of being deceitful or cunning. The dual nature of the word reflects the complexity of human creativity and deception.
See also: art, article, artifice, artificial, artillery, artisan, artisanal, artisans, artist, artiste, artistic, artistry, artless, artwork, artworks.