Meaning & Definition of word "Artificial"

Artificial

/ˌɑːrtɪˈfɪʃəl/

adjective:

  • 1. Made or produced by human beings rather than occurring naturally, especially as a copy of something natural.
    • Example: The garden was filled with artificial flowers that looked remarkably real.
  • 2. Contrived or lacking authenticity; not genuine.
    • Example: Her smile seemed artificial, as if she were forcing it for the cameras.
  • 3. Relating to or denoting a substance or material that is not naturally occurring, but created through chemical or physical processes.
    • Example: The scientists developed an artificial sweetener to replace sugar in food products.

Etymology

From Latin 'artificialis', from 'artificium' meaning 'craftsmanship'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

artificial turf:

Synthetic grass used in sports and landscaping.

artificial sweetener:

A sugar substitute made from synthetic substances.

artificial intelligence:

The simulation of human intelligence processes by machines.

Related Words

artifice:

Clever or cunning devices or expedients, especially as used to trick or deceive others.

artificiality:

The quality of being artificial; lack of naturalness.

artisan:

A worker in a skilled trade, especially one that involves making things by hand.

Slang Meanings of artificial

Meaning: Plastic

Example Sentence: That event felt so plastic; it was all artificial.

Meaning: Phony

Example Sentence: Her enthusiasm seemed really phony, just artificial.