What does artificial mean?
"Artificial" describes things that are made by people rather than formed by nature — from artificial flowers and artificial sweeteners to artificial limbs and artificial light. It can also describe human behavior that seems forced or insincere: an artificial smile is one that does not reflect genuine feeling. The word derives from the Latin artificium, meaning craft or workmanship, which also gave us words like artisan and artifact. In modern usage it is most prominent in technology, above all in the term "artificial intelligence," which refers to computer systems performing tasks associated with human thought. While the word is neutral when applied to objects, it tends to carry a faintly critical tone when applied to personality or emotion, suggesting something rehearsed or hollow. Its opposite is generally "natural."
Made by human beings rather than occurring naturally; synthetic or imitation.
"She wore artificial pearls to the gala."
Often interchangeable with "synthetic" or "man-made," though "artificial" more strongly suggests an imitation of something natural.
Lacking sincerity or spontaneity; affected, contrived, or false.
"There was something artificial about his polite laughter."
Usually carries a mildly critical connotation in this sense.
The word 'artificial' comes from the Latin for 'built by skill' — so every time you say 'artificial intelligence,' you're literally calling it a masterpiece of craftsmanship.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of artificial
"Artificial" comes from the Latin artificium, meaning craftsmanship or a handiwork, itself built from ars (art, skill) and facere (to make). It entered English via Old French in the medieval period, originally carrying the sense of skillfully constructed. Over time its meaning shifted toward "made by human hands rather than nature," and later acquired the figurative sense of contrived or insincere. It shares its root with related English words such as artifice, artisan, and artifact.
Related word forms
How artificial is actually used
Neutral when describing manufactured objects, but often carries negative connotations when applied to behavior or emotions, implying insincerity. The phrase "artificial intelligence" is now firmly established and no longer implies falseness.
Easily confused with artificial
"Artful" means clever or skillful (often with cunning), whereas "artificial" means made by humans rather than natural.