Artificial describes something made by humans rather than occurring naturally, like artificial flowers or artificial light. It can also suggest something is fake or not genuine.
From Latin “artificialis” meaning “of art” or “skillful,” from “artificium” meaning “craft” or “workmanship,” from “ars” (art) and “facere” (to make). It originally praised human skill.
Artificial once meant “expertly made,” not “fake,” so the word has drifted over time. Now, when we say “artificial intelligence” or “artificial flavor,” we’re hinting at the strange space where human craft tries to imitate nature.
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