Part of Speech

noun

Pronunciation

/ˌɑː.tɪ.fɪˈʃæl.ɪ.ti/

Definitions

• The quality of being artificial, or the state of being made or produced by human effort, rather than occurring naturally.
• The use of unnatural elements, often with the intention of imitation or enhancement of something real or natural.
• The act or process of making something artificial or creating an effect or impression that is not genuine or natural.

Usage Examples

• The artificiality of the synthetic fabric was evident in its shine and texture.
• Despite the artificiality of the decoration, the house still had a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Etymology

The word "artificiality" originates from the word "artificial," which comes from the Latin "artificialis," meaning "made by art or skill," combined with the suffix "-ity," which denotes a state or quality. The term has been used since the 18th century to describe things that are man-made or not occurring naturally.

Synonyms

• Unnaturalness
• Contrivance
• Fabrication
• Imitation
• Pretense

Antonyms

• Naturalness
• Authenticity
• Genuineness
• Sincerity

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In American English, "artificiality" is often pronounced with a slightly softer 'r' sound compared to British English, where the 'r' sound is pronounced more strongly.
• In Southern Indian languages, the word may sound softer and more fluid due to phonetic influences.

Historical Usage

The concept of artificiality has been discussed since the 18th century, particularly in philosophical debates about the natural world and human influence over it. It has often been viewed critically, especially when it comes to imitating nature. In the 19th and 20th centuries, artificiality became more central in the arts, technology, and industrial practices, where man-made objects and synthetic materials became more common. The idea of artificiality has since expanded into biotechnology and digital realms, challenging traditional concepts of what is "real."

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, artificiality is seen as a negative attribute, suggesting inauthenticity or a lack of sincerity. However, in modern times, especially in industries like fashion, technology, and entertainment, artificiality can be embraced as a form of innovation, creativity, and progress. In some cultures, artificiality is a part of artistic expression, such as in the use of synthetic materials or digital creations that mimic the natural world. The perception of artificiality also varies depending on its application—what may be seen as artificial in one context may be considered groundbreaking or essential in another.

More Information

Artificiality refers to the quality of being artificially created or altered, often implying that something is not natural. It is commonly discussed in the context of art, technology, and nature, as humans increasingly use artificial means to replicate, enhance, or modify natural processes. In fields such as biology, artificiality can refer to genetically modified organisms (GMOs), where human intervention creates organisms with traits that do not occur naturally. In the realm of technology, artificiality can describe things like artificial intelligence, where machines are designed to simulate human-like intelligence. The discussion of artificiality often intersects with ethical concerns, as it raises questions about the impact of human actions on the environment, society, and authenticity.