What does synthetically mean?
“Synthetically” is an adverb describing something done through synthesis or by an artificial, manufactured process. Its most common technical use refers to substances produced through chemical or industrial methods rather than obtained directly from natural sources: a fibre may be made synthetically, or a compound may be synthesized in a laboratory. The word can also describe an imitation of a natural or human process, such as a synthetically generated voice or a synthetically performed emotion. In ordinary conversation, the adverb often carries the implication that the result feels fabricated, less authentic, or less spontaneous than something arising naturally. It is therefore common in discussions of chemistry, manufacturing, food production, computer-generated media, and criticism of artificial experiences.
adverbIn a synthetic manner; by means of synthesis, especially using chemical or industrial processes rather than naturally occurring materials. It can also mean in a way that is artificial, fabricated, or not based on direct experience.
- In a manner involving chemical or industrial synthesis, especially using processes not found in nature.
- In an artificial, fabricated, or deliberately imitative way.
"The material is produced synthetically, reducing the need to harvest rare plants."
"The fragrance was created synthetically rather than extracted from flowers."
"The character reacted so synthetically that audiences found the emotion implausible."
From “synthesis,” meaning putting separate elements together, “synthetically” now often signals a world where materials and even sounds are made by designed processes rather than directly extracted from nature.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does synthetically come from?
The word derives from “synthesis,” from Greek synthesis, a putting together or combining, itself related to synthetically combining elements into a whole. The English family developed through “synthetic,” meaning combined or manufactured rather than naturally occurring, and the adverb “synthetically” was formed from that adjective with the usual adverbial suffix -ly. The broader sense of artificial combination developed alongside its more specific chemical and industrial meanings.
Related word forms
How synthetically is actually used
The adverb is most common in technical, scientific, and industrial contexts. When used for human behavior, art, or emotion, it often suggests something artificial, insincere, or insufficiently natural.
Easily confused with synthetically
“Synthetic” is usually an adjective describing something made or processed artificially, whereas “synthetically” is an adverb describing the manner or method of production or imitation.
“Synthesized” is a past-tense or past-participle verb form, while “synthetically” is an adverb and is not inflected for tense.