Artefact vs. Artifact: Dig Into the Different Spellings

By
, Staff Writer
Updated November 11, 2021
Tomb of Mummy Pharaoh tutankhamun Artefact vs Artifact
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    Tomb of Mummy Pharaoh tutankhamun Artefact vs Artifact
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    Pharaoh: skaman306 / Moment / Getty Images / Flags: sldesign78 / iStock / Getty Images Plus
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    Used under Getty Images license

Over the years, archaeologists have uncovered remarkable ruins and relics called artifacts. Or are they artefacts? The spelling of this word is almost as mysterious as the ancient objects themselves.

Uncover the Difference Between Artefact and Artefact

Simply put, artefact is the original British English spelling and artifact is the widely accepted American English spelling.

  • artefact (British spelling) - a man-made object that has cultural and historical significance

  • artifact (American spelling) - a man-made object that has cultural and historical significance

When and How to Use Artefact and Artifact

An artefact is a product of another time or place. The term usually refers to a man-made object, but it can also be used more broadly. In more technical terms, artefact can refer to byproducts or results of a process. This meaning usually applies to technologies such as digital images, data, goods, and more.

Artifact has the same meaning as artefact. Although it is the standard American and Canadian spelling, it is actually used in British English as well—although they do have a slight preference for artefact. Otherwise, they are used in the same way in the same contexts.

  • The Egyptian artefact is on display at the Natural History Museum.

  • The old man was an artifact of a bygone era.

  • The photo was doctored, but the artefacts of the original could still be seen.

  • We went to see the African artifacts at the Smithsonian.

  • Dozens of valuable artefacts were stolen from the museum.

  • The scientists developed innovative new technological artifacts.

Tricks to Tell the Difference

Artefact is British English and spelled with an “e.” You can remember that England and Europe begin with “e” and that is where you would use the artefact spelling. Ultimately, when in doubt you can just default to artifact, since it is accepted in both American and British English.

Timeless Spelling Tips

Language and the spelling of words is always evolving. Sometimes words become artifacts (or artefacts) themselves and become lost to time. Explore some words that are spelled differently in American and British English. These include blond and blonde and modelling and modeling, among many others.