artifice

Everyday

1. A clever trick used to fool people. tree →
2. Clever skill, or a way of doing things that is not natural. tree →

In the lessons

Found in stories about tricksters and in literature talk. Phrases: «by artifice», «without artifice» (honest, natural).

Examples

• The fox won by artifice, not strength. tree →
• She spoke simply, without artifice. tree →
• The magician's artifice amazed us. tree →
• Odysseus used artifice to get into Troy. tree →
• Stage make-up is a kind of artifice. tree →
• The plan was full of artifice. tree →
• A LION, unable from old age and infirmities to provide himself with food by force, resolved to do so by artifice. tree →

Note

Related: artificial (not natural). Formal; everyday: «trick».