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Artefact vs. Artifact

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  Marius Alza  —  Grammar Tips
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Artefact vs. Artifact

You have probably heard this word frequently used in mystery/adventure movies or games: artifact. But did you ever notice that the British pronunciation for this noun is slightly different than the American one? Well, this is because their spellings are also quite different.

Similarly written and having the same meaning, "artefact" and "artifact" represent a pair of words that refer to the same thing, yet have some subtle restrictions regarding the contexts in which it's recommended to use each. Find out which those are to keep your English vocabulary elegant anytime.

 Artefact vs. Artifact

 Both nouns, "artefact" and "artifact", define a special object, usually with a special design or signification. They often refer to special elements that carry historical interest and are very old.

As for the difference between the spellings of these two words, as already mentioned above, it comes from the preferences that the US and the UK have for each. You can see below in which context it is recommended to use the first form, and in which situation the second one is more appropriate.

 When do we use "artefact"?

In American English, "artefact" is most likely to be considered wrong, as the US spelling for this noun is actually "artifact". So, obviously, you should only use "artefact" when you communicate in British English or when you are sure that your interlocutor has a good knowledge of English grammar and orthography and is aware of the fact that both "artefact" and "artifact" are considered correct.

When do we use "artifact"?

"Artifact" is defined as the US spelling of "artefact". Consequently, even though they mean the same, it is recommended that you use "artifact" if you are writing to an American English speaker, in order to avoid confusion or unwanted debates upon the correctitude of this word.

Conclusion

"Artefact" is the British noun that has the same meaning with "artifact", its American spelling. Apart from this slight difference, both words refer to an old object with special importance for history.

Artefact vs. Artifact

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3 Comments
  • Torben
    Torben
    Being an archaeologist, this is a word we used constantly. I work in British archaeology where we write 'artefact', whereas it is generally known that our American colleagues spell the word 'artifact' - the words mean the same.
    'Artefact' does not necessarily refer to an old object - although the artefacts I come across are generally thousands of years old. The word just means 'made by a human being', that is, not a natural object. Being a stone tool specialist we also use the term 'geofact' when we have decided that a 'stone tool' is not a stone tool but simply an unworked piece of natural rock.

    Torben Ballin     
    LikeReply 44 years ago
  • Robert Davidson
    Robert Davidson
    So are American readers considered the default on this site?
    LikeReply 34 years ago
  • Lorraine McKay
    Lorraine McKay
    Artifact: An object produced or shaped by human craft, especially a tool, weapon, or ornament of archaeological or historical interest. Artefact: An artificial product or effect observed in a natural system, especially one introduced by the technology used in scientific investigation or by experimental error. 
    LikeReply 44 years ago
    • claytons.88176
      claytons.88176
      This is closer to my understanding. Where is this from? TIA.
      LikeReply 13 years ago
    • jakeqz
      jakeqz
      Also more in line with what I thought, since "artifact" appears to have
      the same root as "artisan", whereas "artefact" (meaning a blemish in
      reproduction) seems largely unrelated. However, OED (11th Ed, 2006)
      gives both meanings under "artefact" (from latin "arte" C19), with
      "artifact" an American alternative, whereas "artisan" is from C16
      French.       
      LikeReply 32 years ago
    • Clarky
      Clarky
      Is the distinction artificial?
      LikeReply 22 years ago

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