Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's English Dictionary - artificial

1. Artificial objects, materials, or processes do not occur naturally and are created by human beings, for example using science or technology. ...a wholefood diet free from artificial additives, colours and flavours... The city is dotted with small lakes, natural and artificial... = synthetic ? natural ADJ • artificially ...drugs which artificially reduce heart rate. ADV: usu ADV with v, also ADV adj 2. An artificial state or situation exists only because someone has created it, and therefore often seems unnatural or unnecessary. Removed from the artificial atmosphere of the fashion show, high-fashion clothes often look cheap and silly. ADJ: usu ADJ n • artificially ...state subsidies that have kept retail prices artificially low. ADV: ADV adj, ADV with v 3. If you describe someone or their behaviour as artificial, you disapprove of them because they pretend to have attitudes and feelings which they do not really have. The voice was patronizing and affected, the accent artificial. ADJ c darkgreen]disapproval