What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
artefacts
Example
The museum has a collection of ancient artefacts from different civilizations. [artefacts: noun]
Example
Archaeologists discovered several artefacts at the excavation site, including pottery and tools. [artefacts: noun]
artifact
Example
The artist created a beautiful artifact using clay and paint. [artifact: noun]
Example
There was a strange artifact in the photograph, causing a glitch in the image. [artifact: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Artifact is more commonly used than artefacts in American English, while artefacts is more commonly used in British English. Both words are used in the context of history, culture, archaeology, and museums.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between artefacts and artifact?
Both artefacts and artifact can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The choice between the two may depend on regional preferences or the specific context in which they are used.