artifice

[ˈɑːr.tɪ.fɪs]

nounmasculinepl: artifices

artifício

1. A clever or cunning device or expedient; a trick or stratagem

She used artifice to convince them of her innocence.

Ela usou artifício para convencê-los de sua inocência.

2. Skillful or clever construction or craftsmanship

The artifice of the jewelry was remarkable.

O artifício da joia era notável.

3. Deception or trickery

Without artifice, he spoke the truth plainly.

Sem artifício, ele falou a verdade claramente.

NYC Slang

con, scheme, hustle

Synonyms

Antonyms

Regional Variations

General Brazilian

artifício

standard usage for both deception and skillful craft

Rio de Janeiro

artifício

common usage, may be colloquially replaced with 'truque' or 'malandragem'

São Paulo

artifício

formal usage preferred

Portugal

artifício

standard usage, sometimes 'ardil' for stratagem

without artifice - com sinceridade

full of artifice - cheio de artifícios/ardiloso

through artifice - por meios desonestos

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