Fake vs. Artificial: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 6, 2023
Fake implies something that is not genuine or real, often deceivingly resembling the real thing, whereas artificial refers to something made by human skill, typically replicating something natural.
Key Differences
Fake and artificial are two terms often used to describe things that are not natural or original. However, they convey different nuances and are used in different contexts. Fake primarily refers to something that is not genuine, and it usually implies an intent to deceive by imitating something real or authentic. It is associated with counterfeiting and deception, intending to make someone believe that something is real when it is not. For instance, a fake painting would be a copy presented as the original work.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Artificial, on the other hand, is a more neutral term, denoting something made or produced through human skill and effort, rather than occurring naturally. It doesn’t necessarily carry a connotation of deception. Artificial objects are created to replicate or replace natural ones, often for practical reasons, such as artificial limbs or artificial intelligence. Artificial items are openly acknowledged as man-made, and there is no intent to deceive regarding their origin.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Fake has a broader application, not limited to tangible objects, but extending to abstract concepts like emotions and actions. Someone can fake happiness, meaning they pretend to feel happy when they are not. It denotes a form of dishonesty, where appearances do not reflect reality.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
In contrast, artificial is predominantly used to describe tangible objects or creations. It relates to the process of creation and manufacturing, reflecting human intervention in producing something that mimics or replaces a natural counterpart. For example, artificial sweeteners are substances created to sweeten foods without using natural sugar.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
While both fake and artificial denote a lack of authenticity or natural occurrence, artificial is more about the replication or replacement process without inherent deceit, and fake often implies a deliberate intention to mislead by presenting something as what it is not.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 26, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Something that is not genuine and intended to deceive.
Something made by human skill, replicating something natural.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Connotation
Generally negative, implying deception or counterfeit.
Neutral, emphasizing human creation or replication.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Application
Can be applied to objects, emotions, actions.
Predominantly applied to tangible objects or creations.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Intention
Usually involves intent to deceive.
No inherent intent to deceive regarding its origin.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Scope
Broad, extending to abstract concepts.
More limited, mainly relating to tangible creations.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
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Fake and Artificial Definitions
Fake
Something that is not what it purports to be.
The antique was a fake, cleverly aged to seem original.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Artificial
Made by human skill; produced by humans.
The bouquet was made of artificial flowers to ensure longevity.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Fake
One that is not authentic or genuine.
The news story turned out to be a fake, causing unwarranted panic.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Artificial
Constructed with human intervention.
The island is artificial, built on reclaimed land from the sea.
Harlon Moss
Sep 26, 2023
Fake
To falsify or alter in order to deceive.
The con artist managed to fake the certificate to gain trust.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 26, 2023
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Artificial
Lacking in spontaneity; affected.
Her cheerfulness seemed artificial, masking her true feelings.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 26, 2023
Artificial
Not occurring naturally; made to imitate a natural product.
The drink was sweetened with artificial sweeteners to reduce calorie content.
Janet White
Sep 26, 2023
Artificial
Created to provide a solution or substitute for something natural.
Scientists developed an artificial heart to aid patients waiting for transplants.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 26, 2023
Fake
(Sports) A brief feint or aborted change of direction intended to mislead one's opponent or the opposing team.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Artificial
Made by humans, especially in imitation of something natural
An artificial sweetener that replaces sugar.
Artificial flowers.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
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).
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Fake
To simulate; feign
Faked his death so his wife would collect insurance money.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Artificial
Man-made; made by humans; of artifice.
The flowers were artificial, and he thought them rather tacky.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Artificial
Not natural or normal: imposed arbitrarily or without regard to the specifics or normal circumstances of a person, a situation, etc.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Artificial
(bridge) Conveying some meaning other than the actual contents of one's hand.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Artificial
Cultivated; not indigenous; not of spontaneous growth; as, artificial grasses.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Fake
Something which is not genuine, or is presented fraudulently.
I suspect this passport is a fake.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Artificial
Contrived by art rather than nature;
Artificial flowers
Artificial flavoring
An artificial diamond
Artificial fibers
Artificial sweeteners
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Fake
(sports) A move meant to deceive an opposing player, used for gaining advantage for example when dribbling an opponent.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Artificial
Not arising from natural growth or characterized by vital processes
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Fake
(nautical) One of the circles or windings of a cable or hawser, as it lies in a coil; a single turn or coil.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Fake
(transitive) To make a counterfeit, to counterfeit, to forge, to falsify.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Fake
(transitive) To make a false display of, to affect, to feign, to simulate.
To fake a marriage
To fake happiness
To fake a smile
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Fake
(archaic) To modify fraudulently, so as to make an object appear better or other than it really is
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Fake
(nautical) To coil (a rope, line, or hawser), by winding alternately in opposite directions, in layers usually of zigzag or figure of eight form, to prevent twisting when running out.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Fake
One of the circles or windings of a cable or hawser, as it lies in a coil; a single turn or coil.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Fake
To coil (a rope, line, or hawser), by winding alternately in opposite directions, in layers usually of zigzag or figure of eight form,, to prevent twisting when running out.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Fake
To manipulate fraudulently, so as to make an object appear better or other than it really is; as, to fake a bulldog, by burning his upper lip and thus artificially shortening it.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Fake
Make a copy of with the intent to deceive;
He faked the signature
They counterfeited dollar bills
She forged a Green Card
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Fake
Talk through one's hat;
The politician was not well prepared for the debate and faked it
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Fake
Not genuine or real; being an imitation of the genuine article;
It isn't fake anything; it's real synthetic fur
Faux pearls
False teeth
Decorated with imitation palm leaves
A purse of simulated alligator hide
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Fake
A deceptive imitation designed to mislead.
The signature on the document was a fake, replicated to deceive the recipient.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 26, 2023
Fake
To pretend or feign, especially with the intent of deceiving.
He had to fake a smile to hide his disappointment.
Harlon Moss
Sep 26, 2023
FAQs
Is a Fake always a tangible object?
No, fake can refer to intangible things like emotions or actions, in addition to tangible objects.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 26, 2023
Can Fake apply to emotions?
Yes, people can fake emotions, meaning they can pretend to feel in a way that is not genuine.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Does Fake always imply deception?
Typically, fake implies an intent to deceive by presenting something as real or genuine when it is not.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Is Artificial always negative?
No, artificial is a neutral term denoting something made by humans and does not inherently imply negativity.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Can something be Artificial and natural at the same time?
No, artificial denotes something made or produced by humans, contrasting with what occurs naturally.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Can a Fake be of high quality?
Yes, some fakes can be meticulously crafted to closely resemble the genuine item.
Harlon Moss
Sep 26, 2023
Can Artificial refer to intangible creations?
Yes, artificial can refer to intangible human creations like artificial intelligence.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 26, 2023
Can Artificial substances be beneficial?
Yes, artificial substances like medicines can provide significant benefits.
Harlon Moss
Sep 26, 2023
Are Artificial flavors harmful?
While some artificial flavors are safe, others may have adverse health effects, necessitating careful consideration.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Why are Fake products created?
Fake products are often created for financial gain by deceiving buyers into thinking they are purchasing genuine items.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Does Fake have legal implications?
Yes, producing or selling fake goods, especially as genuine, can have serious legal repercussions.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Can Artificial things have aesthetic value?
Yes, many artificial creations, like art, are valued for their aesthetic appeal.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Does a Fake always have value?
No, the value of a fake is usually lower than the genuine item it imitates, sometimes having little to no value.
Sara Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Is it easy to spot a Fake?
The ease of spotting a fake depends on the quality of the imitation and the observer's familiarity with the genuine item.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Is Artificial intelligence truly intelligent?
Artificial intelligence can exhibit advanced functionalities and learning capabilities, but it lacks consciousness.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 26, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
