Definition

An object made or shaped by humans, often of historical or cultural significance, that provides insight into a particular time or place.

Example

The museum displayed an ancient artifact from the Roman Empire.

Conversation

I visited the museum yesterday and saw an amazing artifact from ancient Egypt.

That sounds fascinating! What kind of artifact was it?

It was a beautifully crafted statue of a pharaoh.

Wow, I would love to see that in person!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Artifact → It is formed from "arte" (from Latin *ars*, meaning art or skill) and "factum" (meaning made or done). The word "artifact" refers to an object made by human skill, typically of historical or cultural significance.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'made' ('factum') with 'art' or 'skill' ('arte') — that's why an artifact is an object created by human craftsmanship.

Visually Confused Words