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synthetic

sin-THET-ik /sɪnˈθɛtɪk/

adjectiveB2IELTSGRESAT

technicalscientific

Made by chemical synthesis, especially to imitate a natural product.

While 'artificial' is a general term, 'synthetic' specifically implies a laboratory process where chemicals are combined to create a new substance.

The story behind the word. From the Greek 'synthetikos,' meaning 'placed together.' It describes the act of taking separate chemical components and 'placing them together' to create something entirely new.

Word relationships

man-made: Man-made is simpler and less scientific than synthetic.
artificial: Artificial is the broader category; synthetic is the specific chemical method.

natural: Natural means existing in or caused by nature.
organic: Organic refers to things derived from living matter without synthetic intervention.

Word family

synthesis (noun): The combination of ideas or substances to form a theory or system.
synthesize (verb): To make something by chemical synthesis.

Collocations

synthetic flavor
synthetic fertilizer
synthetic fiber
synthetic material

Example sentences

"The 20th century saw a massive rise in the use of synthetic vitamins in processed cereals." The evolution of food science.
"Many consumers are wary of synthetic pesticides used in industrial farming." Environmental concerns.

Memory hook

Syn-thetic. You 'syn' (bring together) things in a 'thesis' (arrangement). Placed together in a lab.

When not to use

Don't use this for simple mixtures; it implies a chemical transformation has occurred.

Fun facts

The first synthetic food dye, mauveine, was discovered by accident by an 18-year-old chemist trying to cure malaria.