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Artifice: meaning, definitions and examples

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artifice

 

[ ˈɑːrtɪfɪs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

deception

Artifice refers to clever or cunning devices or expedients, especially as used to trick or deceive others. It can also describe a skillful or ingenious device; a clever expedient or artful stratagem. Artifice can also refer to trickery or guile used to achieve a purpose.

Synonyms

deception, guile, stratagem, trickery

Examples of usage

  • His whole story was just an artifice to gain sympathy.
  • The magician amazed the audience with his artifice.
Context #2 | Noun

skill

Artifice can also refer to clever or skillful ingenuity; contrivance or craftiness. It can describe the cleverness or skill in creating or executing something.

Synonyms

cleverness, craftiness, ingenuity, skill

Examples of usage

  • The artist's work was a masterpiece of artifice and creativity.
  • She displayed great artifice in her approach to problem-solving.

Translations

Translations of the word "artifice" in other languages:

🇵🇹 artifício

🇮🇳 कपट

🇩🇪 List

🇮🇩 tipu muslihat

🇺🇦 хитрість

🇵🇱 sztuczka

🇯🇵 策略 (さくりゃく)

🇫🇷 artifice

🇪🇸 artificio

🇹🇷 hile

🇰🇷 술책

🇸🇦 خداع

🇨🇿 trik

🇸🇰 trik

🇨🇳 诡计 (guǐjì)

🇸🇮 trik

🇮🇸 bragð

🇰🇿 айлакерлік

🇬🇪 ეშმაკობა

🇦🇿 hiylə

🇲🇽 artificio

Word origin

The word 'artifice' comes from the Latin word 'artificium', which means 'a trade or skill'. It entered the English language in the 16th century with the meaning of 'a clever or artful skill'. Over time, it evolved to also include the sense of deception or trickery. The concept of artifice has been explored in various literary works and philosophical discussions, highlighting the dual nature of cleverness and deceit.

See also: art, artful, article, artificial, artillery, artisan, artisanal, artisans, artist, artiste, artistic, artistry, artless, artwork, artworks.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,565, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.