Definition

Adverb 1. In a way that is not natural; produced or caused by human effort rather than occurring naturally. * This describes something created, enhanced, or simulated by human skill or technology, not by natural processes. 2. In a way that is contrived or not genuine; lacking in naturalness or spontaneity. * This describes behavior, speech, or appearance that seems forced, insincere, or imitative.

Usage Examples

• Adverb (Not by natural means):
  • The fruit was artificially ripened using chemicals.
  • The lake's water level is artificially maintained by a dam.
  • She smiled artificially for the camera, but her eyes were sad.
• Adverb (Not genuine):
  • He spoke in an artificially cheerful tone to hide his disappointment.
  • The dialogue in the movie felt stiff and artificially constructed.

Advanced Usage

• "Artificially intelligent": Describes a machine or system possessing intelligence that is simulated by computer programs, not innate.
  • An artificially intelligent chatbot can hold surprisingly complex conversations.
• "Artificially scarce": An economic term for a resource made scarce through human-controlled restrictions (like patents or licenses), not by natural limits.
  • The company created an artificially scarce market for the product to drive up prices.

Variants and Related Words

• Artificial (Adjective): Not natural; made or produced by human beings.
  • Artificial light, artificial sweetener.
• Artificiality (Noun): The quality of being artificial.
  • The artificiality of the plastic flowers was obvious.

Synonyms

• Synthetically: In a way that involves chemical synthesis; man-made.
• Contrivedly: In a way that seems planned and forced, not natural.
• Falsely: In a way that is not genuine or truthful.

Antonyms

• Naturally: In a natural manner; without human intervention.
• Genuinely: In a sincere and honest way.
• Organically: In a way that relates to or is derived from living matter; without artificial chemicals.

Related Phrases

• Artificially flavored: Having a flavor that is chemically created to imitate a natural one.
  • The drink is artificially flavored to taste like grape.
• Artificially inflated: Raised to a higher level than is normal or justified, often through manipulation.
  • Fears of a shortage artificially inflated the price of gasoline.

Adverb

1. not according to nature; not by natural means
   • artificially induced conditions