Artificial Meaning
Artificial Definition & Usage
Made or produced by human beings rather than occurring naturally, often with the intention to imitate or replace something natural.
Examples
- "The restaurant uses artificial sweeteners in its diet drinks."
- "The artificial flowers looked so real that no one could tell the difference."
- "She wore an artificial diamond ring that sparkled just as much as a real one."
- "In some places, artificial turf is used instead of natural grass for sports fields."
- "The company manufactures artificial intelligence systems that mimic human decision-making."
Not sincere or genuine; lacking authenticity, often implying a contrived or overly manufactured appearance.
Examples
- "His smile seemed artificial, as if he were forcing it."
- "The politician's apology felt artificial and insincere."
- "She could tell that his enthusiasm was artificial, designed to impress her."
- "The artificial charm of the new manager was quickly exposed."
- "Their artificial relationship was based more on convenience than love."
An object or substance created through human intervention, typically to mimic or serve the function of a natural counterpart.
Examples
- "Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing industries like healthcare and finance."
- "The lab specializes in the development of artificial organs for transplant patients."
- "Artificial limbs have greatly improved the quality of life for amputees."
- "The creation of artificial gravity aboard spaceships could change the way astronauts live in space."
- "She studies artificial ecosystems in an effort to understand how to sustain life on Mars."
Cultural Context
The term 'artificial' originates from the Latin word 'artificialis,' meaning 'made by art or skill.' Over time, it has come to describe anything that is man-made or synthetic, particularly when it is created to mimic something found in nature. Artificial items are prevalent in various aspects of life, from technology (e.g., artificial intelligence and artificial limbs) to everyday products (e.g., artificial sweeteners or flowers). In modern discourse, 'artificial' can sometimes carry negative connotations when referring to inauthentic emotions or behaviors.
The Artificial Heart
Story
The Artificial Heart
It had been a week since the groundbreaking surgery, and Laura sat in her hospital room, looking at the machine that kept her alive. The artificial heart inside her chest ticked steadily, a reminder of how far medical technology had come. But despite the relief she felt at being saved, there was an emptiness inside her. The heart, though remarkable, was a symbol of something that wasn’t quite right. Her surgeon, Dr. Malik, visited every day to check her progress, always with a smile that seemed just a little too rehearsed. It wasn’t that she didn’t trust him; it was just that his professionalism seemed a little artificial, like something he had perfected over the years. He would reassure her with his calm words, but Laura knew deep down he couldn’t truly understand the weight of what she was going through. One afternoon, Laura asked him if the artificial heart would ever feel like a real one. Would it ever beat with the same rhythm of life she remembered from before? Dr. Malik paused before answering. 'Artificial, yes. But it’s keeping you alive. And sometimes, that’s enough.' Her thoughts drifted as she looked out the window at the city skyline. In the distance, she saw a flower shop with a display of artificial flowers. They looked almost real, but she knew the truth—they were just beautiful imitations, created for those who didn’t have time for the real thing. As her recovery continued, Laura began to reconcile with her new reality. The artificial heart, like everything else around her, was a tool for survival. It wasn’t a replacement for life, but it allowed her to live on. She realized that sometimes, artificial things could carry meaning too—perhaps not the same meaning as something natural, but still valuable in their own right.
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