What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
artefact
Example
The museum has a collection of ancient artefacts from different civilizations. [artefacts: plural noun]
Example
Archaeologists discovered several artefacts during the excavation of the ancient site. [artefacts: plural noun]
antique
Example
She inherited an antique pocket watch from her grandmother. [antique: adjective]
Example
The antique store sells a wide range of furniture and decorative items. [antique: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Antique is more commonly used than artefact in everyday language, especially when referring to old and valuable objects. Antique is a familiar term that is widely understood, while artefact is more specialized and often used in specific fields or contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between artefact and antique?
While antique can be used in both formal and informal contexts, artefact is generally considered more formal and is commonly used in academic, archaeological, or scientific settings.
