Artificial Synonym Explained in Passage Context

This question asks to identify the word that has the same meaning as 'artificial' based on how it is used in the provided passage. The passage discusses a situation involving white cement and its price increase, mentioning that "artificial scarcity created by the manufacturers in their self-interest" is the reason for the price rise.

Understanding the Word 'Artificial'

The word 'artificial' generally means something made or produced by human beings rather than occurring naturally. In the context of the passage, it implies that the scarcity of white cement was not a natural occurrence due to low production or high demand, but rather something created or manufactured intentionally by the producers.

Analyzing the Options

Let's look at each option to see which one best fits the meaning of 'artificial' in the given sentence:

• Deliberate: This word means done consciously and intentionally. While the scarcity was indeed deliberate, 'deliberate' focuses on the intention rather than the nature of the scarcity itself. It doesn't fully capture the sense of being non-natural or man-made in contrast to a natural state.
• Prolonged: This word means continuing for a long time. It relates to duration and has no connection to the meaning of 'artificial' in this context.
• Practical: This word refers to dealing with things sensibly and realistically based on what is actually possible. It is unrelated to the meaning of 'artificial' here.
• Unnatural: This word means contrary to the laws or norms of nature; abnormal. This meaning aligns closely with 'artificial' when it refers to something that is not natural or genuine, but rather created or simulated. In the passage, the scarcity was 'unnatural' because it was created by manufacturers, contrasting with a natural market fluctuation.

Identifying the Best Synonym

Considering the context, the 'artificial scarcity' refers to a situation that was not natural but was created by human intervention (manufacturers) for their benefit. Therefore, 'unnatural' serves as the most fitting synonym for 'artificial' in this specific usage, highlighting the fabricated nature of the scarcity.

The passage implies that the scarcity was:

• Not a result of natural market forces.
• Created intentionally by manufacturers.
• Contrasted with a genuine, natural supply situation.

'Unnatural' captures this sense of being man-made or fabricated, which is central to the meaning of 'artificial' in this context.