What is artificial? Pronunciation and usage in English

artificial means . Learn how to pronounce and use artificial through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of artificial

artificialadjective

/ˌɑːtɪˈfɪʃl/
Definition & pronunciation of artificial

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "artificial." It's a tricky one for many English learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables: The word is divided into three syllables:

  • Ar - like the beginning of "aroma"
  • ti - like the "ti" in "tea"
  • fi - like the "fi" in "fish"
  • cial - like the "cial" in "classical"

2. The Sounds:

  • Ar: This is a short, slightly rounded "ar" sound – like you're saying "a" and then rounding your lips a little. Think of it like the “ar” in “car” but slightly shorter.
  • ti: This is a clear "tee" sound, as in "tea."
  • fi: This is a clear "fee" sound, as in "fish."
  • cial: This is the trickiest part. It’s a slightly elongated “s” sound followed by a “cial” sound. It's not a hard “s” like in “sun.” It's more like a soft "s" sound, almost like the "s" in "measure" but held a bit longer. There's a subtle "sh" sound blended in as well, but it’s not pronounced distinctly as "sh".

3. Putting it Together:

The whole word flows something like this: Ar-ti-fi-cial (with the emphasis on the second syllable - "ti").

4. Helpful Tip: You can hear it pronounced correctly on these websites:

To Summarize - Key Points:

  • Short "ar" sound
  • Clear "tee" sound
  • Clear "fee" sound
  • Slightly elongated, soft "s" sound followed by "cial"

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some example sentences to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word artificial in English

Let's break down how to use the word "artificial" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with a few key nuances.

1. Basic Definition:

At its core, “artificial” means not natural; made by humans rather than occurring in nature. It describes something that’s been created or imitated.

2. Common Uses & Examples:

  • Objects & Materials:

    • "Artificial flowers" – Flowers made from plastic or fabric.
    • "Artificial lighting" – Light produced by electric lamps, as opposed to sunlight.
    • "Artificial sweeteners" – Sugar substitutes that aren't derived from sugar.
    • “Artificial turf” – Synthetic grass.
    • "Artificial nails" – Nails made with acrylic or gel.

  • Behavior & Emotions: This is where it gets a little trickier and can sometimes carry a negative connotation.

    • "Artificial sympathy" – Sympathy that seems insincere or forced. ("She offered artificial sympathy, as if she didn’t really care.")
    • "Artificial enthusiasm" – Enthusiasm that feels exaggerated or fake.
    • "Artificial charm" – Charm that is practiced and not genuine.

  • Art & Performance:

    • “Artificial intelligence” – Intelligence demonstrated by machines, often based on computer programs.
    • "Artificial scenery" - Sets and props used in theater or film that aren't real.
    • "Artificial perspective" - A technique in art to simulate depth by distorting objects.

3. Nuances and Connotations:

  • Generally Neutral: In many cases, "artificial" is simply descriptive. It’s stating a fact – something isn’t natural.
  • Can be Negative: However, it often carries a slightly negative or critical implication, suggesting something is fake, inauthentic, or lacking in genuine quality. This is particularly true when used to describe emotions or behavior. Think of it as implying a lack of “realness.”
  • Emphasis on Creation: The word highlights the fact that something was made—it wasn't grown, found, or born naturally.

4. Synonyms:

Here are some words that can be used instead of "artificial," depending on the context:

  • Synthetic: (Often used for materials – e.g., synthetic fabrics)
  • Man-made: (A more general term)
  • Imitation: (Suggests copying something real)
  • Simulated: (Often used for creating a convincing likeness)
  • False: (More direct and often negative - implying deception)
  • Fake: (Similar to false, but often more informal)

5. Examples in Sentences (Showing Different Shades of Meaning):

  • Neutral: "The store sold artificial Christmas trees." (Simply stating a type of tree.)
  • Slightly Negative: "He offered an artificial apology – it seemed motivated only by his desire to avoid punishment." (Suggests insincerity.)
  • Strongly Negative: "Her artificial laughter didn’t fool anyone." (Implies a lack of genuine emotion.)

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking about? (e.g., describing a material, a person’s behavior, a concept?)
  • Do you have a specific sentence you'd like to use the word in?

Synonyms for the word artificial

Practice with vocabulary artificial

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The company developed an __________ intelligence system to improve customer service.
  2. Her smile seemed __________, as if she was forcing it to appear genuine.
  3. The flowers in the vase were so vibrant, but they turned out to be __________.
  4. He made a __________ decision to delay the project until more data was available.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which word best describes something made by humans rather than occurring naturally?
    a) natural
    b) artificial
    c) organic
    d) genuine

  2. What term is often used for food additives that enhance flavor or color?
    a) natural
    b) artificial
    c) synthetic
    d) organic

  3. Which of these words can describe a smile that is not genuine?
    a) artificial
    b) authentic
    c) forced
    d) real

  4. What is a synonym for "man-made" in the context of materials?
    a) artificial
    b) real
    c) genuine
    d) natural

  5. In which sentence is the word "synthetic" used correctly?
    a) The scientist created a synthetic material that mimics silk.
    b) Her kindness felt synthetic, and everyone noticed.
    c) They used artificial flavors to make the drink taste better.
    d) The synthetic of the situation required immediate action.

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The robot’s movements were clearly not natural.
  2. The lab-grown diamonds are indistinguishable from real ones.
  3. The company decided to use man-made materials for the project.

Answer

Exercise 1:

  1. artificial
  2. artificial
  3. fake
  4. reasonable

Exercise 2:

  1. b) artificial
  2. b) artificial / c) synthetic
  3. a) artificial / c) forced
  4. a) artificial
  5. a) The scientist created a synthetic material that mimics silk.

Exercise 3:

  1. The robot’s movements were clearly artificial.
  2. The artificial diamonds are indistinguishable from real ones.
  3. The company decided to use synthetic materials for the project.

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