artificial
artificial
Pronunciation
IPA Phonetic Spelling
/ˌɑːrtɪˈfɪʃəl/ (General American) or /ˌɑːtɪˈfɪʃəl/ (Received Pronunciation)
ar - /ˌɑːr/ (as in "car" with 'r', secondary stress - General American) or /ˌɑː/ (as in "car" without 'r', secondary stress - Received Pronunciation)
ti - /tɪ/ (as in "tin")
fi - /ˈfɪ/ (as in "fish", primary stress)
cial - /ʃəl/ (as in "special" or "facial")
Word Form Variations
Artificial" primarily functions as an adjective.
Adjective:
Base form: artificial
Comparative: more artificial
Superlative: most artificial
Adverb:
artificially
Noun: (derived forms)
artificiality
(No plural form for "artificial" itself as a noun, but often pluralized in compound nouns like "artificial intelligences" or "artificial limbs")
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adjective
Made or produced by human skill and labor, rather than occurring naturally; not natural.
Example: "The cake was made with artificial flavors."
Synonyms: synthetic, man-made, manufactured, fabricated, ersatz, simulated
Antonyms: natural, real, authentic, genuine, organic, raw
Imitated or fabricated for appearance or effect; not real or sincere.
Example: "She forced an artificial smile."
Synonyms: fake, false, simulated, feigned, synthetic, unnatural, insincere
Antonyms: genuine, real, sincere, authentic, natural, spontaneous
(Of a situation or condition) created or arranged rather than arising spontaneously; contrived or imposed.
Example: "The debate was held in an artificial environment."
Synonyms: contrived, forced, unnatural, imposed, manufactured, strained
Antonyms: natural, spontaneous, organic, authentic, unforced
Examples of Use
Books:
"They had created an artificial intelligence so advanced that it began to question its own existence." (Common trope in science fiction literature, e.g., similar to themes in Isaac Asimov's I, Robot, 1950)
Newspapers:
"Scientists are developing artificial photosynthesis systems to convert sunlight into energy more efficiently." (The Guardian)
Online Publications:
"The debate over artificial intelligence ethics is intensifying as AI models become more sophisticated." (Wired.com)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
"This flavor is completely artificial, but it tastes just like real strawberries!" (Dialogue in a cooking show on YouTube)
"The movie's ending felt artificial and forced, undermining the entire narrative arc." (Film review on Rotten Tomatoes)
"Welcome to the world of Westworld, where you can live out your fantasies with artificial hosts." (HBO's Westworld)
General Public Discourse:
"I prefer real flowers over artificial ones."
"The conversation felt a bit artificial; there was no real connection."
"Many sports fields now use artificial turf instead of natural grass."
"Don't add artificial sweeteners to your coffee if you're trying to eat healthy."
10 Quotes Using Artificial
"I believe that the human mind is capable of anything, and that we can create artificial intelligence." (Elon Musk, common paraphrase of his interviews)
"The only difference between the natural and the artificial is time." (A philosophical adage, widely attributed but exact origin debated)
"An artificial human is still a human, in a sense, if it possesses true consciousness." (A common philosophical question debated in science fiction and philosophy of mind)
"The distinction between natural and artificial is often arbitrary and culturally determined." (A common sociological or philosophical observation)
"He lived an artificial life, surrounded by pretense and false smiles." (A common literary descriptive trope highlighting insincerity)
"Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished; human impatience creates an artificial rush." (A common adaptation of a Lao Tzu sentiment, including "artificial")
"Sometimes, an artificial smile is the only way to get through the day." (A widely relatable modern observation about emotional labor)
"An artificial paradise is still a paradise, at least until the illusion breaks." (A common sentiment related to escapism or temporary pleasure)
"The artificial always seeks to mimic the real, but rarely captures its soul." (A common philosophical reflection on technology and authenticity)
"Technology is neither good nor bad; nor is it neutral. Its impact is determined by those who wield it, often creating artificial divides." (Melvin Kranzberg, paraphrased and adapted for "artificial" to fit the common discussion of technology's social impact)
Etymology
The word "artificial" describes something made by humans, not naturally occurring. Its history traces back to a Latin word about skill and art.
It comes from the Latin word "artificialis," which meant "belonging to art or craft," or "made by art." This Latin term is formed from:
"artificium": meaning "craft," "skill," or "artifice."
"-alis": a Latin suffix indicating "pertaining to."
The word "artificium" itself comes from "ars" (art) and "facere" (to make), so it literally meant "something made with art or skill."
The word "artificial" entered the English language around the late 14th or early 15th century.
The first known use and meaning of "artificial" in English was very much in line with its Latin roots: made by human skill or artifice, as opposed to being natural. For example, "artificial" might describe a crafted bridge versus a natural ford. Over time, it gained secondary meanings related to imitation or lack of sincerity.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Artificial
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "artificial":
Artificial intelligence (AI) (the simulation of human intelligence by machines)
Artificial sweetener (a sugar substitute made by chemical synthesis)
Artificial turf (a synthetic surface used as an alternative to natural grass)
Artificial respiration (a method of breathing for someone who has stopped breathing naturally)
Artificial light (light produced by electrical means, not natural sunlight)
Artificial limb (a prosthetic replacement for a missing limb)
Artificial selection (the intentional breeding of plants or animals by humans)
Fabricated happiness (using a synonym for similar effect, meaning insincere joy)
A manufactured crisis (using a synonym, indicating a contrived difficult situation)
A simulated reality (using a synonym for similar effect, referring to an imitation environment)
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of artificial from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
