Confusing Words: Artefact (noun) and Artifact (noun)
Meaning: something made or given shape by man, such as a tool or a work of art, esp an object of archaeological interest
Artefact vs Artifact Clarification: Artefact and artifact are two different spellings of the same noun. You can choose any word but you should be careful about the text you are writing for.
Artefact vs Artifact – What is the Difference, Definition & Meaning?
Both of these words are just one-letter apart. Actually, artifact and artefact are two different spellings of the same word that depicts same meaning for both of the words.
You can use any word for your writing as both of the words are correct. But why these words are having different spellings if they depict same meaning?
Continue reading to find out the answer!
The problem is the boundary between American and British versions. Artifact is said to be the preferred spelling for American English.
Artefact, on the other hand, is the British spelling. So, remember to use these spellings in correct places. If you are writing any American text, your choice should be artifact and for British texts, the choice should be artefact.
Meaning and Examples of Artefact/Artifact
Artefact and artifact are two yet same words. They are similar to each other in terms of meaning as well as in function. Artefact or artifact can be used as a noun within sentences. Artefact or artifact refers to an object made by human artistry. This man-made art is the result of someone’s interest in history and archaeology.
1. My collection of the silver artefacts or artifacts should be displayed at the museum.
2. Did you see the Egyptian artefacts or artifacts?
According to Dictionary.com, artefact or artifact can also be used to refer any feature that is not naturally present but is a product of an extrinsic agent or method. For instance, statistical artifacts or artefacts that make the inflation rate seem greater than it is.
Got it?
I hope that from the above discussion, it is clear that you can use both artifact and artefact. Both of these words are acceptable to use as a noun. You just have to remember that artifact is the American English spelling whereas, artefact is the British English spelling.
Artefact = British English
Artifact = American English
Here are some sentences taken from American and British writings.
• When examining cultural artifacts, specialists, such as archaeologists and anthropologists, pay close attention to several things. (education-portal.com)
• A religious artefact is something made for use in religion, especially in use today, not a museum piece. (cleo.net.uk)
What Did You Learn Here?
Artefact and artifact are two different spellings of the same noun. You can choose any word but you should be careful about the text you are writing for. If it is a British text, then your choice should be ‘artefact’.
On the other hand, artifact is the standard spelling in American English. Artefact or artifact can be used to refer an object made by human artistry which is the result of someone’s interest in history and archaeology.