Definition
Artificial or fake; created artificially rather than arising naturally.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Adjective
Synonyms
artificial, fake, synthetic, contrived, manufactured, unnatural, false, simulated, spurious, bogus
Antonyms
genuine, authentic, natural, real
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | None |
| Verb | None |
| Adjective | factitious |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
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The plastic flowers in her garden were factitious, but they looked real from a distance.
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His smile seemed factitious, like he was pretending to be happy.
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The artist used factitious materials to create a sculpture that looked like it was made of real stone.
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The scientist created a factitious environment in the lab to study the effects of climate change.
Usage
The word “factitious” is used to describe something that is artificial or fake, created artificially rather than arising naturally. It can be used to describe objects, environments, or even emotions that have been artificially produced or fabricated. The word has a negative connotation, suggesting that the factitious object or environment is not genuine or authentic.
The word “factitious” comes from the Latin word “facticius,” which means “artificial” or “made by art.” The suffix “-ious” is commonly added to words to turn them into adjectives that describe a characteristic or quality of something.
The word “factitious” can also be used in combination with other prefixes and suffixes to create new words with related meanings. For example, the prefix “non-” can be added to create the word “non-factitious,” which means not artificial or fake, and is used to describe things that are genuine or authentic. The suffix “-ity” can be added to create the word “factitiousness,” which refers to the quality of being factitious.
Overall, the word “factitious” is a useful word that describes a common phenomenon in human interaction and creativity. Its negative connotation reflects the suspicion and distrust that can arise from artificial or fake things, and it serves as a warning against deception and manipulation. As such, it is a valuable addition to any vocabulary.