artifice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "artifice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to clever or cunning devices or expedients, especially as used to trick or deceive others. Example: "The magician's performance was filled with artifice, leaving the audience in awe of his tricks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And yet… there is an inescapable artifice that raises yet another barrier between us and our molecular components.

The Guardian

For all the artifice, a glimmer of integrity shone through.

The Guardian - Opinion

They project aggression with artifice, enacting the line in their then current hit, "Substitute" – "The simple things you see are all complicated".

The Guardian

"We think there's already a layer of artifice and it's your online personality – the brand Jon Ronson – you're trying to protect.

The Guardian - Tech

As Susan Sontag wrote, camp is artifice and theatricality and flamboyance.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Labour leader's intentions are somewhat similar: to reconnect with an audience grown weary of artifice and renew his personal brand.

The Economist

While Jean-Luc Godard makes a film to explore what he calls an "abstract feeling", Lars Von Trier takes spontaneity to extremes with "Dogme 95", a film manifesto calling for the elimination of artifice: no special effects or dramatic lighting.The directors' idiosyncrasies shine through Mr Tirard's book without swamping the reader with too many points of view.

The Economist

Mr de Narváez has drawn on his own fortune in his battle to beat Mr Kirchner, plastering Buenos Aires province with bus-sized posters of himself.Mr Kirchner, who heads the Peronist movement, has resorted to artifice.

The Economist

Mr McCain made his most important appointment having met her just twice.Ironically, given that he first won over so many independents by speaking his mind, the case for Mr McCain comes down to a piece of artifice: vote for him on the assumption that he does not believe a word of what he has been saying.

The Economist

Some 22 years after "Antea" was last there, it is again New York's turn".Parmigianino's 'Antea': A Beautiful Artifice" is at the Frick Collection from January 29th until April 27th.

The Economist

And, after nearly two hours delivering accounts of wrongful incarceration and mistreatment, the actors are probably no more inclined to indulge the time-honoured artifice of the curtain call than the audience is to receive it.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "artifice" to describe situations where skill and ingenuity are used to deceive or gain an advantage. Be mindful of its slightly negative connotation, implying a lack of genuineness.

Common error

Avoid using "artifice" when you mean genuine artistic skill or craftsmanship. While both involve a level of creation, "artifice" carries a connotation of deception, whereas artistry celebrates authentic skill.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "artifice" is as a noun. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, referring to a deceptive or manipulative strategy. According to Ludwig AI, the word is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "artifice" functions as a noun that denotes a clever trick or strategy, frequently carrying a negative connotation due to its association with deception. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While synonyms like "deception" or "trickery" exist, "artifice" uniquely emphasizes the skill and ingenuity involved. Remember to distinguish "artifice" from genuine artistry, focusing on the intent to mislead rather than create authentic beauty. Avoiding this confusion helps ensure accurate and impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deception

Focuses on the act of deceiving, lacking the nuance of skillful execution implied by "artifice".

trickery

Emphasizes the use of tricks and cunning, often with a negative connotation.

ruse

Highlights a specific deceptive maneuver or plan, a subset of "artifice".

stratagem

Implies a carefully planned strategy, often to outwit an opponent, similar to the tactical aspect of "artifice".

subterfuge

Stresses the use of deceit to conceal or evade something, a more specific form of "artifice".

guile

Suggests sly or cunning intelligence, a personal attribute that enables "artifice".

chicanery

Focuses on the use of deception or trickery, especially in legal or political contexts.

manipulation

Highlights the act of influencing or controlling someone or something, often through indirect or insidious means, related to the outcome of "artifice".

contrivance

Emphasizes the artificial or fabricated nature of something, highlighting the constructed aspect of "artifice".

machination

Implies a complex and secret plot or scheme, often with malicious intent, a more elaborate form of "artifice".

FAQs

How can I use "artifice" in a sentence?

You can use "artifice" to describe a clever trick or strategy. For example: "The politician's speech was full of "artifice", designed to mislead the voters."

What's the difference between "artifice" and "deception"?

"Artifice" implies skill and cleverness in the act of deceiving, while "deception" is a more general term for misleading someone, without necessarily involving skill.

What are some synonyms for "artifice"?

Synonyms for "artifice" include "trickery", "ruse", "stratagem", and "subterfuge". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "artifice" a positive or negative word?

"Artifice" generally has a negative connotation, suggesting a lack of sincerity or honesty. It implies that something is not genuine or natural, but rather carefully constructed to create a particular impression.