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artisanal

ar-TIZ-uh-nul /ɑːrˈtɪz.ən.əl/

adjectiveC1GMATIELTS

GeneralMarketing

Relating to or characteristic of an artisan; made in a traditional or non-automated way using high-quality ingredients.

It suggests the opposite of 'mass-produced.' It implies a human touch, small batches, and traditional methods.

The story behind the word. The word 'artisan' comes from the same root as 'artist.' In the Middle Ages, there was no distinction between a fine artist and a skilled craftsman. An 'artisanal' product is essentially a work of art that you can eat or use.

Word relationships

handcrafted: Handcrafted can apply to any object; artisanal specifically implies a high level of skill and traditional technique.

mass-produced: Mass-produced items are made in large quantities by machines.

Commonly confused with

artistic: Artistic refers to aesthetics and beauty; artisanal refers to the craft and method of production.

Word family

artisan (noun): A worker in a skilled trade, especially one that involves making things by hand.

Collocations

artisanal bread
artisanal cheese
artisanal chocolate
artisanal methods

Example sentences

"The bakery specializes in artisanal sourdough, which takes three days to ferment and bake." Describing bread.
"Artisanal cheese makers often use milk from a single herd of cows to ensure consistency." Describing cheese production.

Memory hook

ARTISANAL has 'ART' in it. It is the ART of making food by hand. Made by a master.

When not to use

Don't use it for products made in large factories, even if they are high quality.

Fun facts

The 'Artisanal' movement gained massive popularity in the early 2000s as a reaction against the homogenization of fast food and industrial agriculture.