factitious

[ fak-tish-uhs ]

adjective

1. not spontaneous or natural; artificial; contrived:

   factitious laughter; factitious enthusiasm.

2. made; manufactured:

   a decoration of factitious flowers and leaves.

factitious

/ fækˈtɪʃəs /

adjective

1. artificial rather than natural

   factitious demands created by the mass media

2. not genuine; sham

   factitious enthusiasm

Derived Forms

• facˈtitiously, adverb
• facˈtitiousness, noun

Other Words From

• fac·titious·ly adverb
• fac·titious·ness noun
• nonfac·titious adjective
• nonfac·titious·ly adverb
• nonfac·titious·ness noun
• over·fac·titious adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of factitious¹

First recorded in 1640–50, factitious is from the Latin word factīcius “made by art, artificial.” See fact, -itious

Word History and Origins

Origin of factitious¹

C17: from Latin factīcius , from facere to make, do

Example Sentences

Under these conditions it is again hidden beneath heterogeneous dogmas, obscure comments, and factitious explanations.

From Project Gutenberg

But before he had walked half a square, the factitious energy inspired by drink deserted him.

From Project Gutenberg

The entire structure of their social life reposed on feelings, and not on a factitious conception, on a work of art.

From Project Gutenberg

His mind turns towards combinations, arrangements, legal or factitious organisations.

From Project Gutenberg

The prices of farms and improvements vary greatly, and are influenced much by factitious and local circumstances.

From Project Gutenberg