Pronunciation: [sɪnθˈɛtɪk] (IPA) 
The word "synthetic" is spelled with a "s" at the beginning, pronounced as /sɪnˈθɛtɪk/. The following "y" is pronounced as /j/ and the "n" is pronounced as /n̩/. The third and fourth letters are "t" and "h" which are pronounced as /θ/. The vowels "e" and "t" are pronounced as /ɛ/ and /ɪk/ respectively. Therefore, "synthetic" is spelled as S-Y-N-T-H-E-T-I-C, pronounced as /sɪnˈθɛtɪk/.
Synthetic, as an adjective, refers to the quality of being artificially produced or created, particularly in contrast to something that occurs naturally. It is derived from the Greek word "synthetikos" meaning "put together or compounded." The term often pertains to materials or substances that are fabricated or manufactured through chemical processes, as opposed to being found in nature.
In the context of materials, synthetic indicates that they are made by combining various chemicals or components to mimic the properties or appearance of naturally occurring substances. These may include synthetic fibers, such as polyester or nylon, which are produced by combining and manipulating petroleum-based compounds. Synthetic materials are often distinct for their durability, versatility, and resistance to degradation compared to natural alternatives.
Furthermore, synthetic can also relate to other fields, like biology and genetics. In these instances, it commonly refers to the creation or manipulation of genetic material, organisms, or biological systems through artificial means. Synthetic biology, for instance, involves the design and construction of new biological parts or systems using components that do not typically occur together in nature.
The term synthetic can also be used to describe non-material entities, such as emotions or substances found in art, music, or language, which are deliberately manufactured or contrived to elicit a particular response or effect. In these contexts, the intention is to imitate or replicate rather than originate from natural sources.
Relating to or made by synthesis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Pert. to synthesis; compounding.
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 "synthetic" derives from the Greek roots "syn-" meaning "together" or "with", and "tithenai" meaning "to place" or "to set". In Greek, the combination of these roots creates the word "synthetikos", which translates to "put together" or "composed". The term was adopted into English in the late 17th century to refer to something that is artificially made or produced through a process of synthesis.
