What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
relic
Example
The museum displayed ancient relics from the Roman Empire. [relic: noun]
Example
The church had a collection of holy relics, including bones of saints. [relics: plural noun]
artifact
Example
The archaeologist discovered artifacts from an ancient civilization. [artifact: noun]
Example
The museum displayed a collection of Native American artifacts, including pottery and tools. [artifacts: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Artifact is more commonly used than relic in everyday language. Artifact is a versatile term that covers a wide range of man-made objects, while relic is less common and often associated with religious or spiritual beliefs.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between relic and artifact?
Both relic and artifact can be used in formal and informal contexts, but artifact is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both academic and everyday language.
