Craft vs. Technique: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Published on November 5, 2023
Skill in making things by hand or the practice of a trade. The specific method used to perform a task, often within a broader craft.
Key Differences
Craft is a broad term that refers to the general skill, expertise, or trade involved in creating something. Technique, however, zeroes in on the specific methods or practices that are used within that craft.
For example, woodworking is a craft that involves numerous techniques like carving, joinery, and staining. So, while "craft" refers to the overarching discipline, "technique" refers to the specific skills employed within that discipline.
In terms of grammar, both "craft" and "technique" function as nouns and can also be used as verbs, although "technique" is far more commonly used as a noun. For instance, one can craft a piece of pottery and also learn the technique of glazing.
When looking at the application, craft often involves a combination of techniques. In contrast, a technique is usually a single, well-defined method that can be mastered individually. For example, cooking is a craft, while sautéing is a technique within that craft.
Craft and technique also differ in their levels of specificity. A craft can encompass a variety of materials, tools, and techniques. Technique is much more specific, often requiring particular tools or materials to be executed properly.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Skill in making things or practice of a trade.
Specific method used in a task.
Context
Broad, involves multiple techniques.
Specific, usually within a craft.
Grammatical Use
Functions as both a noun and a verb.
Primarily functions as a noun.
Level of Specificity
General and overarching.
Highly specific.
Learning Scope
Learned as a collection of techniques.
Individual skill that can be mastered.
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Craft and Technique Definitions
Craft
Skill in hand-made items.
Her craft in making pottery is remarkable.
Technique
Strategy in sports or games.
His basketball shooting technique is flawless.
Craft
Artistic ability.
The craft of writing takes years to master.
Technique
Method of performance in artistic work.
His technique in painting is unparalleled.
Craft
Activity involving skill in making things.
Craft like knitting requires patience.
Technique
Specific skill in doing something.
His negotiation technique is effective.
Craft
Skill in doing or making something, as in the arts; proficiency.
Technique
Method in a scientific or industrial process.
This technique in chemical analysis is revolutionary.
Craft
Skill in evasion or deception; guile.
Technique
Way of carrying out a task.
The surgical technique saved the patient.
Craft
An occupation or trade requiring manual dexterity or skilled artistry.
Technique
The basic method for making or doing something, such as an artistic work or scientific procedure
Learned the techniques involved in painting murals.
Craft
The practitioners of such an occupation or trade considered as a group.
Technique
Skill or command in a particular activity
A pianist with superb technique.
Craft
Pl. craft A boat, ship, aircraft, or spacecraft.
Technique
(uncountable) The practical aspects of a given art, occupation etc.; formal requirements.
Craft
Crafts Items made by craftspeople.
Technique
(uncountable) Practical ability in some given field or practice, often as opposed to creativity or imaginative skill.
Craft
To make or construct (something) with care or ingenuity.
Technique
(countable) A method of achieving something or carrying something out, especially one requiring some skill or knowledge.
Craft
Strength; power; might; force .
Technique
The method or manner of performance in any art; - also called technic.
Craft
(uncountable) Intellectual power; skill; art.
Technique
The body of technical methods and procedures used in a science or craft.
Craft
Ability, skilfulness, especially skill in making plans and carrying them into execution; dexterity in managing affairs, adroitness, practical cunning; ingenuity in constructing, dexterity .
Technique
The detailed movements used for executing an artistic performance; technical skill; artistic execution; as, a pianist's fingering technique.
Craft
Cunning, art, skill, or dexterity applied to bad purposes; artifice; guile; subtlety; shrewdness as demonstrated by being skilled in deception .
Technique
A practical method or art applied to some particular task
Craft
(obsolete) Occult art, magic .
Technique
Skillfulness in the command of fundamentals deriving from practice and familiarity;
Practice greatly improves proficiency
Craft
A work or product of art .
Craft
(collective or plural) Handmade items, especially domestic or decorative objects; handicrafts .
Craft
A device, a means; a magical device, spell or enchantment .
Craft
Learning of the schools, scholarship; a branch of learning or knowledge, a science, especially one of the ‘seven liberal arts’ of the medieval universities .
Craft
(uncountable) Skill, skilfulness, art, especially the skill needed for a particular profession .
The craft of writing plays.
Craft
A branch of skilled work or trade, especially one requiring manual dexterity or artistic skill, but sometimes applied equally to any business, calling or profession; the skilled practice of a practical occupation .
The carpenter's craft.
He learned his craft as an apprentice.
Craft
(countable) A trade or profession as embodied in its practitioners collectively; the members of a trade or handicraft as a body; an association of these; a trade's union, guild, or ‘company’ .
She represented the craft of brewers.
Craft
A vehicle designed for navigation in or on water or air or through outer space .
Craft
(nautical) Boats, especially of smaller size than ships. Historically primarily applied to vessels engaged in loading or unloading of other vessels, as lighters, hoys, and barges.
Craft
Those vessels attendant on a fleet, such as cutters, schooners, and gun-boats, generally commanded by lieutenants.
Craft
(figurative) A woman.
Craft
Implements used in catching fish, such as net, line, or hook. Modern use primarily in whaling, as in harpoons, hand-lances, etc. .
Craft
To make by hand and with much skill.
Craft
To construct, develop something (like a skilled craftsman).
State crafting; the process of crafting global policing
Craft
(video games) To combine multiple items to form a new item, such as armour or medicine.
Craft
Strength; might; secret power.
Craft
Art or skill; dexterity in particular manual employment; hence, the occupation or employment itself; manual art; a trade.
Ye know that by this craft we have our wealth.
A poem is the work of the poet; poesy is his skill or craft of making.
Since the birth of time, throughout all ages and nations,Has the craft of the smith been held in repute.
Craft
Those engaged in any trade, taken collectively; a guild; as, the craft of ironmongers.
The control of trade passed from the merchant guilds to the new craft guilds.
Craft
Cunning, art, or skill, in a bad sense, or applied to bad purposes; artifice; guile; skill or dexterity employed to effect purposes by deceit or shrewd devices.
You have that crooked wisdom which is called craft.
The chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put him to death.
Craft
A vessel; vessels of any kind; - generally used in a collective sense.
The evolutions of the numerous tiny craft moving over the lake.
Craft
To play tricks; to practice artifice.
You have crafted fair.
Craft
The skilled practice of a practical occupation;
He learned his trade as an apprentice
Craft
A vehicle designed for navigation in or on water or air or through outer space
Craft
People who perform a particular kind of skilled work;
He represented the craft of brewers
As they say in the trade
Craft
Skill in an occupation or trade
Craft
Shrewdness as demonstrated by being skilled in deception
Craft
Make by hand and with much skill;
The artisan crafted a complicated tool
Craft
Practice of a trade.
Carpentry is his chosen craft.
Craft
Special skill or expertise.
He demonstrated his craft in solving complex problems.
FAQs
What is Craft?
Craft refers to the skill or trade involved in creating something.
What is Technique?
Technique is the specific method or practice used within a broader craft.
Can you give an example that involves both Craft and Technique?
In cooking, the craft involves making food while techniques include chopping, frying, and sautéing.
Is Technique part of Craft?
Yes, technique is often a component of a larger craft.
Can Craft exist without Technique?
Generally, no. A craft usually involves the application of various techniques.
Is Technique also a verb?
Rarely. Technique is primarily used as a noun.
Are Crafts always handmade?
No, crafts can also be trades or professions that don't necessarily involve hand-making items.
Can Craft be self-taught?
Yes, many people are self-taught in various crafts.
Can Technique be learned?
Yes, techniques are skills that can be learned and mastered.
What's the verb form of Craft?
Craft can be used as a verb, as in "to craft something."
How do Craft and Technique relate in sports?
The craft could be the sport itself, like soccer, while techniques include specific moves or plays.
Can Technique change over time within a Craft?
Yes, techniques can evolve, which may in turn influence the craft.
Are both Craft and Technique forms of expertise?
Yes, both represent different levels and kinds of expertise.
Are all Techniques part of a Craft?
Not necessarily; some techniques can be standalone skills.
Can one master a Craft without mastering all Techniques?
It's possible but mastering a craft usually involves proficiency in multiple techniques.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
