Artefact vs Artifact
What’s the difference between them?
Artefact
Meaning:
An artefact is an object made by a human, either intentionally or unintentionally. It is typically something that has been made by humans and is of historical or cultural significance.
Examples:
1. The artefact was believed to have mystical powers.
2. Archaeologists discovered several ancient artefacts during their excavation.
3. The museum has a wide collection of artefacts from different periods.
Artifact
Meaning:
Meaning is the same, but such spelling is mostly used in American English.
Examples:
1. The museum exhibited the ancient artifact for the public to admire.
2. Archaeologists discovered a valuable artifact during their exploration.
3. The artifact was an important piece of history that had been kept hidden for many years.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Artefact
Relic
artifact
There are no direct antonyms for this word.
Artifact
Relic
artefact
There are no direct antonyms for this word.
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Artefact", "Artifact".
1. 'Artifact' is the American English spelling.
2. 'Artefact' is the British English spelling.
3. 'Artifact': 'I see artifacts' – The 'I' can remind you of the 'i' in 'artifact' and is used in American English.
4. 'Artefact': 'English artefacts are elegant' – The 'e' in 'English' and 'elegant' can remind you of the 'e' in 'artefact.'
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Frequently asked questions
When to use the word 'Artefact'?
Artefact is usually used in British English to refer to an object made by humans, usually something that is quite old and was made by a particular culture. Artefact can also be used to refer to an object that is of archeological or historical significance.
When to use the word 'Artifact'?
Artifact is usually used in American English to refer to an object made by humans, usually something that is quite old and was made by a particular culture. Artifact can also be used to refer to an object that is of archeological or historical significance.
Do the words have the same pronunciation?
Yes, the words 'Artefact' and 'Artifact' are pronounced the same way when spoken.
What are common mistakes associated with words 'Artefact' and 'Artifact'?
The most common mistake associated with these words is confusing the spelling when writing. In British English, the word is spelled 'Artefact' while in American English, the spelling is 'Artifact'. Additionally, some people may mistakenly think that the words are interchangeable and can be used in any context, but this is not the case; they should only be used to refer to objects made by humans and with archeological or historical significance.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. The museum displayed an ancient ______ from the Roman Empire.
2. In the United States, color and ______ are spelled without a u.
3. The archaeologist discovered a rare ______ during the excavation.
4. In British English, colour and ______ are spelled with a u.
5. The ______ was believed to possess mystical powers according to the local legend.
6. In the UK, historians often debate about the origin of certain ______.
1. Answer: artefact or artifact
Explanation: There is no specific clue in the sentence to indicate whether American or British English should be used, so both artefact and artifact are acceptable answers.
2. Answer: artifact
Explanation: The sentence provides a clue by mentioning the United States and giving an example of American English spelling (color), which indicates that the American English spelling, artifact, should be used.
3. Answer: artefact or artifact
Explanation: There is no specific clue in the sentence to indicate whether American or British English should be used, so both artefact and artifact are acceptable answers.
4. Answer: artefact
Explanation: The sentence provides a clue by mentioning British English and giving an example of British English spelling (colour), which indicates that the British English spelling, artefact, should be used.
5. Answer: artefact or artifact
Explanation: There is no specific clue in the sentence to indicate whether American or British English should be used, so both artefact and artifact are acceptable answers.
6. Answer: artefacts
Explanation: The sentence provides a clue by mentioning in the UK, which indicates that the British English spelling, artefacts, should be used.
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List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.