Artificial Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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artificial

[ˌɑːrtɪˈfɪʃəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

intelligence

Made or produced by human beings rather than occurring naturally, typically as a copy of something natural.

Synonyms

imitation, man-made, synthetic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
artificial

Used when referring to something made by humans, often to resemble something natural. It can imply a lack of authenticity.

  • The artificial flowers looked real.
  • She gave him an artificial smile.
synthetic

Used to describe materials or substances that are made by chemical synthesis, often used in scientific or industrial contexts.

  • This dress is made of synthetic fabric.
  • Synthetic chemicals are used in the production of plastics.
man-made

Used to emphasize that something is created by humans, often in contrast to something natural.

  • The man-made lake was very clean.
  • This fabric is man-made, not natural.
imitation

Used when referring to something made to look like something else, often implying it's a copy and not of the same quality.

  • He bought an imitation leather jacket.
  • The imitation watch didn't last long.

Examples of usage

  • Artificial intelligence is becoming more and more advanced.
  • She was wearing an artificial flower in her hair.
  • The artificial lake was created by damming the river.
Context #2 | Adjective

behavior

Not sincere or genuine.

Synonyms

fake, insincere, pretended.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
artificial

Describes something made by humans, often imitating something natural.

  • The flowers on the table were artificial, but they looked real
  • She used artificial light for the photography session
insincere

Describes a person or their actions when they are not expressing genuine feelings.

  • His apology seemed insincere
  • She often gave insincere compliments to flatter her boss
fake

Usually refers to something that is not genuine, often made to deceive.

  • The painting turned out to be a fake
  • He had a fake ID that he used to get into the club
pretended

Used when someone is acting as if something is true when it is not.

  • The child pretended to be a superhero
  • He pretended to be interested in the conversation, but he was not

Examples of usage

  • Her smile seemed artificial.
  • He gave an artificial laugh to hide his discomfort.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Technology

  • Artificial intelligence (AI) is a branch of computer science focused on creating machines that can think and learn like humans.
  • Innovations such as artificial limbs and organs have transformed healthcare, providing better lives for many individuals.

Cultural Influence

  • In fashion, artificial materials like polyester are often used to create clothing that is accessible and varied in style.
  • Artificial flavors in food and beverages allow for a wider range of tastes and can enhance enjoyment.

Psychology

  • The creation of artificial environments, such as virtual reality, influences human perception and can lead to therapeutic applications.
  • Studies show that humans can often form emotional attachments to artificial companions like robots.

Environmental Impact

  • The rise of artificial products has led to debates about sustainability and the impact of plastic on the natural environment.
  • Artificial ecosystems, like aquaponics, help in sustainable farming by mimicking and enhancing natural processes.

Origin of 'artificial'

Main points about word origin

  • Originally from the Latin word 'artificialis', which means 'of art' or 'made by art'.
  • The term was recorded in English around the 14th century, initially referring to things that were cleverly made by human effort.

The word 'artificial' comes from the Latin word 'artificialis', which means 'made by art'. It has been used in English since the 14th century to describe things that are man-made or not natural. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass a wide range of meanings, from artificial intelligence to artificial flavors.


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

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,164, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.