What is the difference between artificial and synthetic?

Definitions

artificial

- Describing something that is made by humans and not found in nature.

- Referring to something that is not genuine or natural.

- Talking about something that is created or produced using human skills or technology.

synthetic

- Describing something that is made by combining different materials or substances.

- Referring to something that is not naturally occurring but is created through chemical processes.

- Talking about something that is man-made and imitates a natural material or substance.

List of Similarities

• 1. Both words describe something that is not natural or genuine.
• 2. Both words refer to something that is man-made or created by humans.
• 3. Both words can be used to describe materials or substances that imitate natural ones.

What is the difference?

• 1. Composition: Artificial can refer to something that is made by combining natural or non-natural materials, while synthetic specifically refers to something made by combining different substances.
• 2. Imitation: Artificial can refer to something that imitates a natural object or substance, while synthetic specifically refers to something that imitates a natural material or substance.
• 3. Usage: Artificial is more commonly used in everyday language, while synthetic is often used in technical or scientific contexts.
• 4. Connotation: Artificial can sometimes have a negative connotation, implying something fake or inferior, while synthetic is more neutral and does not carry the same negative connotation.

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Remember this!

Artificial and synthetic are synonyms that describe something that is not natural or genuine. However, there are some differences between the two words. Artificial refers to something made by humans, while synthetic specifically refers to something created through chemical processes. Additionally, artificial can refer to something made by combining natural or non-natural materials, while synthetic specifically refers to something made by combining different substances. Artificial is more commonly used in everyday language, while synthetic is often used in technical or scientific contexts.