Arctic vs. Artic — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 30, 2023
"Arctic" refers to the polar region in the far north, known for its cold climate, while "Artic" is often an informal abbreviation for "articulated," referring to vehicles with a flexible joint.
Difference Between Arctic and Artic
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Key Differences
"Arctic" is a geographical term denoting the region around the Earth's North Pole, characterized by extreme cold and ice. In contrast, "Artic" is frequently used as a shorthand in transport contexts, referring to articulated vehicles, such as trucks or buses, that have a pivot joint allowing for easier maneuvering.
The word "Arctic" is often associated with the Arctic Ocean, polar bears, and glaciers. It can also describe the cold, as in "Arctic temperatures." On the other hand, "Artic" is typically used in a more technical context, describing a specific type of vehicle design, such as an "artic lorry" or "artic truck."
"Arctic" can be used as an adjective or a noun, referring to the region itself or characteristics of it. In comparison, "Artic" is mainly an adjective, describing a vehicle with certain features, and it's rarely used as a standalone noun.
While "Arctic" evokes images of a vast, icy landscape and extreme weather conditions, "Artic" brings to mind the practicalities of transportation and vehicle design. The two words, while phonetically similar, belong to entirely different realms of discussion.
In summary, "Arctic" relates to a geographical and climatic zone at the northernmost part of the Earth, whereas "Artic" is a term rooted in vehicular design, indicating a specific kind of flexibility and maneuverability in transportation.
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Comparison Chart
Meaning
Polar region in the far north
Abbreviation for "articulated"
Context
Geographical, climatic
Transportation, vehicle design
Usage
Adjective or noun
Adjective
Associated Imagery
Ice, polar bears, cold climate
Vehicles with pivot joints
Phonetic Similarity
Pronounced with a "c" sound
Often misspelled or mispronounced version of "Arctic"
Compare with Definitions
Arctic
Pertaining to the region around the North Pole.
The Arctic Circle is known for its extreme conditions.
Artic
Used in transportation contexts.
Artic vehicles are common in urban areas.
Arctic
Extremely cold.
They endured Arctic temperatures during the expedition.
Artic
Short for "articulated vehicle."
The driver maneuvered the artic skillfully.
Arctic
Associated with the polar climate.
Arctic winds chilled the air.
Artic
Informal abbreviation in vehicle terminology.
He specializes in repairing artics.
Arctic
Northernmost part of the Earth.
The Arctic is experiencing rapid climate change.
Artic
Referring to buses with flexible joints.
The artic bus could navigate the tight streets.
Arctic
The Arctic ( or ) is a polar region located at the northernmost part of Earth. The Arctic consists of the Arctic Ocean, adjacent seas, and parts of Alaska (United States), Canada, Finland, Greenland (Denmark), Iceland, Norway, Russia, and Sweden.
Artic
Pertaining to vehicles with a pivot joint.
They rented an artic lorry for the move.
Arctic
Relating to the regions around the North Pole
An Arctic explorer
Artic
An articulated lorry.
Arctic
(of weather conditions) very cold
February brought arctic conditions
The arctic weather of 1981
Artic
(informal) Abbreviation of articulated lorry; A semi-trailer truck.
Arctic
The regions around the North Pole.
Artic
(informal) Abbreviation of articulated bus
Arctic
A thick waterproof overshoe extending to the ankle or above.
Arctic
A drab-coloured hairy butterfly of the arctic and subarctic regions of the New World.
Arctic
Extremely cold; frigid.
Arctic
A warm waterproof overshoe.
Arctic
Alternative case form of Arctic
Arctic
Alternative case form of Arctic
Arctic
Pertaining to, or situated under, the northern constellation called the Bear; northern; frigid; as, the arctic pole, circle, region, ocean; an arctic expedition, night, temperature.
Arctic
The arctic circle.
Arctic
A warm waterproof overshoe.
Arctic
The regions north of the Arctic Circle centered on the North Pole
Arctic
A waterproof overshoe that protects shoes from water or snow
Arctic
At or near the north pole
Arctic
Of or relating to the Arctic;
Arctic circle
Arctic
Extremely cold;
An arctic climate
A frigid day
Gelid waters of the North Atlantic
Glacial winds
Icy hands
Polar weather
Arctic
Relating to the Arctic Ocean.
Arctic marine life is diverse and unique.
Common Curiosities
Is "Arctic" always capitalized?
Yes, "Arctic" is capitalized as it refers to a specific region.
Can "Artic" be used to describe cold weather?
No, "Artic" refers to vehicles, not weather.
Is "Arctic" related to geography?
Yes, "Arctic" pertains to the polar region around the North Pole.
Can "Arctic" describe a type of animal?
Yes, "Arctic" can describe animals native to that region, like "Arctic fox."
Does "Arctic" refer to both poles?
No, "Arctic" specifically refers to the northern polar region.
Does "Artic" relate to any geographical region?
No, "Artic" does not relate to geography but to vehicle design.
Is "Artic" a common term in public transportation?
Yes, "Artic" is commonly used in public transportation to describe certain buses.
Are "Arctic" and "Artic" interchangeable?
No, they refer to completely different things.
Does "Artic" have a full form?
"Artic" is often shorthand for "articulated vehicle."
Is "Artic" used in everyday language?
"Artic" is mainly used in transportation and is less common in everyday language.
Can "Artic" be used as a noun?
Rarely, it's mostly used as an adjective.
Is "Arctic" used in climate discussions?
Yes, "Arctic" is often used in discussions about climate and environment.
Does "Artic" have any relevance to temperature or climate?
No, "Artic" does not relate to temperature or climate.
Can "Arctic" be used in marine biology?
Yes, "Arctic" is used to describe marine life in the northern polar region.
Can "Arctic" describe a style of clothing?
Yes, clothing designed for extreme cold can be described as "Arctic" wear.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.