Fake vs. Artificial: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Something that is not genuine and intended to deceive.
Something made by human skill, replicating something natural.
Connotation
Generally negative, implying deception or counterfeit.
Neutral, emphasizing human creation or replication.
Application
Can be applied to objects, emotions, actions.
Predominantly applied to tangible objects or creations.
Intention
Usually involves intent to deceive.
No inherent intent to deceive regarding its origin.
Scope
Broad, extending to abstract concepts.
More limited, mainly relating to tangible creations.
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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.
Artificial
Made by human skill; produced by humans.
The bouquet was made of artificial flowers to ensure longevity.
Fake
One that is not authentic or genuine.
The news story turned out to be a fake, causing unwarranted panic.
Artificial
Constructed with human intervention.
The island is artificial, built on reclaimed land from the sea.
Fake
To falsify or alter in order to deceive.
The con artist managed to fake the certificate to gain trust.
Artificial
Lacking in spontaneity; affected.
Her cheerfulness seemed artificial, masking her true feelings.
Fake
Having a false or misleading appearance; fraudulent.
Artificial
Not occurring naturally; made to imitate a natural product.
The drink was sweetened with artificial sweeteners to reduce calorie content.
Fake
One that is not authentic or genuine; a sham.
Artificial
Created to provide a solution or substitute for something natural.
Scientists developed an artificial heart to aid patients waiting for transplants.
Fake
(Sports) A brief feint or aborted change of direction intended to mislead one's opponent or the opposing team.
Artificial
Made by humans, especially in imitation of something natural
An artificial sweetener that replaces sugar.
Artificial flowers.
Fake
One loop or winding of a coiled rope or cable.
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).
Fake
To contrive and present as genuine; counterfeit
Fake a signature.
Artificial
Affected or insincere
An artificial smile.
Fake
To simulate; feign
Faked his death so his wife would collect insurance money.
Artificial
Man-made; made by humans; of artifice.
The flowers were artificial, and he thought them rather tacky.
Fake
(Music) To improvise (a passage).
Artificial
; fake, forced, or feigned.
Her manner was somewhat artificial.
Fake
(Sports) To deceive (an opponent) with a fake. Often used with out.
Artificial
Not natural or normal: imposed arbitrarily or without regard to the specifics or normal circumstances of a person, a situation, etc.
Fake
To engage in feigning, simulation, or other deceptive activity.
Artificial
(bridge) Conveying some meaning other than the actual contents of one's hand.
Fake
(Sports) To perform a fake.
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.
Fake
To coil (a rope or cable).
Artificial
Feigned; fictitious; assumed; affected; not genuine.
Fake
Not real; false, fraudulent
Which fur coat looks fake?
Artificial
Artful; cunning; crafty.
Fake
(of people) Insincere
Artificial
Cultivated; not indigenous; not of spontaneous growth; as, artificial grasses.
Fake
Something which is not genuine, or is presented fraudulently.
I suspect this passport is a fake.
Artificial
Contrived by art rather than nature;
Artificial flowers
Artificial flavoring
An artificial diamond
Artificial fibers
Artificial sweeteners
Fake
(sports) A move meant to deceive an opposing player, used for gaining advantage for example when dribbling an opponent.
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
Fake
(archaic) A trick; a swindle
Artificial
Not arising from natural growth or characterized by vital processes
Fake
(nautical) One of the circles or windings of a cable or hawser, as it lies in a coil; a single turn or coil.
Fake
(transitive) To make a counterfeit, to counterfeit, to forge, to falsify.
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
Fake
(archaic) To cheat; to swindle; to steal; to rob.
Fake
(archaic) To modify fraudulently, so as to make an object appear better or other than it really is
Fake
To improvise, in jazz.
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.
Fake
One of the circles or windings of a cable or hawser, as it lies in a coil; a single turn or coil.
Fake
A trick; a swindle.
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.
Fake
To cheat; to swindle; to steal; to rob.
Fake
To make; to construct; to do.
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.
Fake
Something that is a counterfeit; not what it seems to be
Fake
A person who makes deceitful pretenses
Fake
(football) a deceptive move made by a football player
Fake
Make a copy of with the intent to deceive;
He faked the signature
They counterfeited dollar bills
She forged a Green Card
Fake
Fake or falsify;
Fudge the figures
Cook the books
Falsify the data
Fake
Talk through one's hat;
The politician was not well prepared for the debate and faked it
Fake
Fraudulent; having a misleading appearance
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
Fake
A deceptive imitation designed to mislead.
The signature on the document was a fake, replicated to deceive the recipient.
Fake
To pretend or feign, especially with the intent of deceiving.
He had to fake a smile to hide his disappointment.
FAQs
Is a Fake always a tangible object?
No, fake can refer to intangible things like emotions or actions, in addition to tangible objects.
Can Fake apply to emotions?
Yes, people can fake emotions, meaning they can pretend to feel in a way that is not genuine.
Does Fake always imply deception?
Typically, fake implies an intent to deceive by presenting something as real or genuine when it is not.
Is Artificial always negative?
No, artificial is a neutral term denoting something made by humans and does not inherently imply negativity.
Can something be Artificial and natural at the same time?
No, artificial denotes something made or produced by humans, contrasting with what occurs naturally.
Can a Fake be of high quality?
Yes, some fakes can be meticulously crafted to closely resemble the genuine item.
Can Artificial refer to intangible creations?
Yes, artificial can refer to intangible human creations like artificial intelligence.
Can Artificial substances be beneficial?
Yes, artificial substances like medicines can provide significant benefits.
Are Artificial flavors harmful?
While some artificial flavors are safe, others may have adverse health effects, necessitating careful consideration.
Why are Fake products created?
Fake products are often created for financial gain by deceiving buyers into thinking they are purchasing genuine items.
Does Fake have legal implications?
Yes, producing or selling fake goods, especially as genuine, can have serious legal repercussions.
Can Artificial things have aesthetic value?
Yes, many artificial creations, like art, are valued for their aesthetic appeal.
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.
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.
Is Artificial intelligence truly intelligent?
Artificial intelligence can exhibit advanced functionalities and learning capabilities, but it lacks consciousness.
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.
