Artificial vs. Synthetic: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Published on July 28, 2024
Artificial often describes something made by humans that imitates nature, while synthetic specifically refers to substances chemically produced to mimic natural materials.
Difference Between Artificial and Synthetic
Artificial generally refers to objects or processes made or carried out by humans rather than occurring naturally, focusing on imitation. Whereas, synthetic is used particularly to describe materials created through chemical synthesis, emphasizing the creation of new compounds.
Muneeza Rehman
Jul 28, 2024
In terms of usage, artificial is broadly applied across various contexts, from intelligence to flowers, highlighting human imitation. On the other hand, synthetic is closely associated with materials like fabrics or plastics, stressing their chemical origins.
Muneeza Rehman
Jul 28, 2024
The connotation of artificial can sometimes carry a negative undertone, suggesting a lack of authenticity or naturalness. Conversely, synthetic can also have negative implications but often focuses more on the industrial or non-natural aspect of its products.
Muneeza Rehman
Jul 28, 2024
In the marketplace, products labeled as artificial might be seen as less desirable than natural options, reflecting consumer preferences for 'natural' over 'manufactured.' In contrast, synthetic products are often marketed for their durability and superior performance, particularly in industries like textiles and pharmaceuticals.
Kaitlyn
Jul 28, 2024
Environmental impact is another aspect where these terms diverge. Artificial items, such as artificial turf, may be criticized for ecological reasons, while synthetic materials, like biodegradable plastics, are sometimes developed to reduce environmental footprints.
Olivia
Jul 28, 2024
Artificial vs. Synthetic Comparison Chart
Definition
Made by human skill; imitating nature
Produced by chemical synthesis
Muneeza Rehman
Jul 28, 2024
Connotation
Often negative, implies fakeness
Can be negative, highlights non-naturalness
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Jul 28, 2024
Market Perception
Less desirable compared to natural
Praised for durability and performance
Leo
Jul 28, 2024
Environmental Consideration
May be seen as ecologically unsound
Often developed to improve eco-friendliness
Muneeza Rehman
Jul 28, 2024
Artificial vs. Synthetic Definitions
◉Artificial
Pertaining to something made by human effort rather than occurring naturally.
Artificial intelligence simulates human thought processes.
Kaitlyn
May 02, 2024
◉Synthetic
Relating to substances made through chemical synthesis.
Synthetic rubber is used widely in tire manufacturing.
Muneeza Rehman
May 02, 2024
◉Artificial
Made to resemble something natural; not genuine.
Artificial flowers can often look surprisingly real.
Lucas
May 02, 2024
◉Synthetic
Fabricated by humans through a chemical process.
Synthetic fibers are popular in the production of outdoor clothing.
Leo
May 02, 2024
◉Artificial
A simulation of a natural product or condition.
Artificial vanilla flavor is derived from synthetic compounds.
Muneeza Rehman
May 02, 2024
◉Synthetic
Designed to imitate or replace natural materials.
Synthetic diamonds are becoming increasingly popular as ethical alternatives.
Muneeza Rehman
May 02, 2024
◉Artificial
Created as an imitation.
Artificial sweeteners provide sweetness without the calories of sugar.
Jonathan
May 02, 2024
◉Artificial
Intended to replace something natural.
Some sports fields use artificial grass because it requires less maintenance.
Jonathan
May 02, 2024
◉Synthetic
(Chemistry) Produced by synthesis, especially not of natural origin.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 27, 2024
◉Artificial
Made by humans, especially in imitation of something natural
An artificial sweetener that replaces sugar.
Artificial flowers.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 27, 2024
◉Artificial
Not arising from natural or necessary causes; contrived or arbitrary
"Hausa [in Niger] ... are separated from their brethren in Nigeria by a porous and artificial border that the colonial powers left behind" (Jeffrey Tayler).
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 27, 2024
◉Synthetic
Not natural or genuine; artificial or contrived
“counterfeit rhetoric that flourishes when passions are synthetic” (George F. Will).
Jonathan
Apr 27, 2024
◉Synthetic
(Linguistics) Relating to or being a language, such as Latin or Russian, that uses inflectional affixes to express syntactic relationships.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 27, 2024
◉Artificial
Man-made; made by humans; of artifice.
The flowers were artificial, and he thought them rather tacky.
Levi
Apr 27, 2024
◉Synthetic
Logic & Philosophy Relating to or being a proposition that attributes to a subject a predicate not inherent in the subject, not following necessarily from logically true statements.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 27, 2024
◉Synthetic
Of or relating to a financial instrument or investment that consists entirely of derivatives, especially swap contracts.
Nolan
Apr 27, 2024
◉Artificial
Not natural or normal: imposed arbitrarily or without regard to the specifics or normal circumstances of a person, a situation, etc.
Lucas
Apr 27, 2024
◉Artificial
(bridge) Conveying some meaning other than the actual contents of one's hand.
Elijah
Apr 27, 2024
◉Artificial
Made or contrived by art; produced or modified by human skill and labor, in opposition to natural; as, artificial heat or light, gems, salts, minerals, fountains, flowers.
Artificial strifeLives in these touches, livelier than life.
Kaitlyn
Apr 27, 2024
◉Synthetic
(chemistry) Produced by synthesis instead of being isolated from a natural source (but may be identical to a product so obtained).
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 27, 2024
◉Synthetic
(medicine) Produced by synthesis, thought to have the same effect as its natural counterpart, but chemically different from it.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 27, 2024
◉Artificial
Cultivated; not indigenous; not of spontaneous growth; as, artificial grasses.
Jonathan
Apr 27, 2024
◉Synthetic
(grammar) Pertaining to the joining of bound morphemes in a word (compare analytic).
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 27, 2024
◉Artificial
Contrived by art rather than nature;
Artificial flowers
Artificial flavoring
An artificial diamond
Artificial fibers
Artificial sweeteners
William
Apr 27, 2024
◉Synthetic
(linguistics) Of a language, having a grammar principally dependent on the use of bound morphemes to indicate syntactic relationships (compare analytic).
William
Apr 27, 2024
◉Artificial
Artificially formal;
That artificial humility that her husband hated
Contrived coyness
A stilted letter of acknowledgment
When people try to correct their speech they develop a stilted pronunciation
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 27, 2024
◉Synthetic
Of or pertaining to synthesis; consisting in synthesis or composition; as, the synthetic method of reasoning, as opposed to analytical.
Philosophers hasten too much from the analytic to the synthetic method; that is, they draw general conclusions from too small a number of particular observations and experiments.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 27, 2024
◉Synthetic
Comprising within itself structural or other characters which are usually found only in two or more diverse groups; - said of species, genera, and higher groups. See the Note under Comprehensive, 3.
Levi
Apr 27, 2024
◉Synthetic
Not of natural origin; prepared or made artificially;
Man-made fibers
Synthetic leather
Nolan
Apr 27, 2024
◉Synthetic
Involving or of the nature of synthesis (combining separate elements to form a coherent whole) as opposed to analysis;
Limnology is essentially a synthetic science composed of elements...that extend well beyond the limits of biology
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 27, 2024
◉Synthetic
Of a proposition whose truth value is determined by observation or facts;
`all men are arrogant' is a synthetic proposition
Levi
Apr 27, 2024
◉Synthetic
Artificial as if portrayed in a film;
A novel with flat celluloid characters
Jonathan
Apr 27, 2024
◉Synthetic
Not genuine or natural;
Counterfeit rhetoric that flourishes when passions are synthetic
Elijah
Apr 27, 2024
◉Synthetic
Not based on natural origins; completely man-made.
Synthetic drugs may mimic the effects of their natural counterparts.
Nolan
May 02, 2024
◉Synthetic
Produced in an industrial environment.
Synthetic oil is engineered to perform in extreme conditions.
Muneeza Rehman
May 02, 2024
Artificial vs. Synthetic Frequently Asked Questions
What is artificial?
Artificial refers to something made or produced by human beings rather than occurring naturally, typically as a copy of something natural.
Muneeza Rehman
Jul 28, 2024
Are synthetic materials always artificial?
Yes, synthetic materials are a subset of artificial materials, specifically designed through chemical processes.
Muneeza Rehman
Jul 28, 2024
What is synthetic?
Synthetic relates to products manufactured through a chemical process, often in a laboratory or industrial setting.
Muneeza Rehman
Jul 28, 2024
What are common synthetic materials found in clothing?
Common synthetic materials in clothing include polyester, nylon, and acrylic.
Lucas
Jul 28, 2024
Why might consumers prefer synthetic products?
Consumers may prefer synthetic products for their consistency, durability, and often better performance in certain applications compared to natural materials.
Henry
Jul 28, 2024
Do artificial products always imitate natural ones?
Mostly, artificial products are developed to imitate or replace natural products, focusing on achieving similar functionalities.
Olivia
Jul 28, 2024
Is artificial intelligence synthetic?
Artificial intelligence is termed 'artificial' because it mimics human cognitive functions, but it is not 'synthetic' as it doesn't involve chemical processes.
Kaitlyn
Jul 28, 2024
What are the environmental impacts of synthetic products?
Synthetic products can be both beneficial and harmful; some are designed to be eco-friendly, while others are criticized for pollution during manufacture.
Leo
Jul 28, 2024
How do artificial flavors compare to natural flavors?
Artificial flavors are synthesized to mimic natural flavors but often do not provide the same complexity or depth.
Nolan
Jul 28, 2024
Can something be artificial but not synthetic?
Yes, artificial includes a broader category of human-made items, such as intelligence or turf, which may not involve chemical synthesis.
Elijah
Jul 28, 2024
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
