Definition of 'artifice'

Word Frequency

artifice

(ɑːʳtɪfɪs )

Word forms: plural artifices

variable noun

Artifice is the clever use of tricks and devices.

[formal]

Weegee's photographs are full of artfulness, and artifice.

More Synonyms of artifice

Word Frequency

artifice in British

(ˈɑːtɪfɪs )

noun

a clever expedient; ingenious stratagem

crafty or subtle deception

skill; cleverness

a skilfully contrived device

5. obsolete

craftsmanship

Word origin of 'artifice'

C16: from Old French, from Latin artificium skill, from artifex one possessed of a specific skill, from ars skill + -fex, from facere to make

Word Frequency

artifice in American

(ˈɑrtəfɪs ; ärtˈəfis)

noun

skill or ingenuity

a clever expedient

trickery or craft

a sly or artful trick

SIMILAR WORDS: art, trick

Word origin of 'artifice'

OFr < L artificium, craft < artifex, artist, master of a trade < ars, art1 + facere, do1

Example sentences containing 'artifice'

These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content. Read more…

We have been considering the relations of the parts of one tree and a passing partnership between nature and artifice. Page, Russell The Education of a Gardener (1994)The curious connections between nature, human imagination and human artifice make delightful reading. Times, Sunday Times (2008)In both areas, art is artifice. Times, Sunday Times (2008)But I saw the art and artifice beyond. Times, Sunday Times (2012)We hover between worlds - stasis and movement, artifice and reality. The Times Literary Supplement (2012)Like so many Scandinavian harbours, it was an alliance of nature and artifice. Ben Nimmo IN FORKBEARD'S WAKE: Coasting Round Scandinavia (2003)He speaks, indeed, without artifice or pretence. Times, Sunday Times (2010)

Trends of 'artifice'

Used Occasionally. artifice is one of the 30000 most commonly used words in the Collins dictionary

View usage for:

Nearby words of 'artifice'

Source

Definition of artifice from the Collins English Dictionary

Number in nouns

Singular number is used when the noun refers to one item. Plural number is used when the noun refers to more than one item. Countable nouns have both singular and plural forms. Uncountable nouns a...