Artifice /ˈɑrtəfɪs/ is a six-letter English word that refers to a clever trick or skillful deception. The spelling of the word can be broken down into four syllables: "ar" + "ti" + "fice." The IPA phonetic transcription helps explain the pronunciation of each syllable. "Ar" is pronounced like "ahr," "ti" is pronounced like "ti," and "fice" is pronounced like "fis." The emphasis is on the second syllable, "ti." Overall, mastering the spelling and pronunciation of "artifice" can help enhance one's communication and verbal skills.
Artifice is a noun that refers to the use of cleverness or craftiness, often in an attempt to deceive or manipulate others. It encompasses the use of various tactics or strategies to achieve a desired outcome, typically through the employment of calculated methods that may lack sincerity or honesty.
In its broader sense, artifice encompasses the practice of employing clever or sophisticated techniques, often within the realm of art or craftsmanship, to create something artificial or contrived. This can involve the manipulation of materials, forms, or elements in order to produce an artful or aesthetically pleasing result.
The word artifice derives from the Latin term "artificium," which translates to "made by art." It conveys the idea of something deliberately constructed or fabricated, rather than occurring naturally.
In a negative connotation, artifice can denote a level of insincerity or artificiality. It pertains to actions or behaviors that are designed to deceive or trick others, often for personal gain. It implies a deliberate intent to mislead or manipulate through the use of cunning or guile, rather than relying on genuine qualities or virtues.
Overall, artifice encompasses the concept of employing skillful techniques and craftiness for a range of purposes, from creative expression to deceitful manipulation.
A trick; an ingenious contrivance, in a good or bad sense.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "artifice" originates from the Latin term "artificium", which is derived from two root words: "ars", meaning "art" or "skill", and "facere", meaning "to make" or "to do". "Artificium" literally translates to "artful skill" or "craftsmanship". Over time, "artificium" evolved into "artifice" in Middle English, referring to cunning or ingenuity in a craft or skillful deception.