Cosmetic: meaning, definitions and examples

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cosmetic

 

[ kɒzˈmɛtɪk ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

related to beauty

Relating to treatment intended to restore or improve a person's appearance, especially a person's face.

Synonyms

aesthetic, reconstructive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cosmetic

Used when referring to superficial improvements, often related to beauty or outward appearance. Commonly used in the beauty and fashion industry.

  • She wants some cosmetic changes to her bedroom
  • The makeup brand released a new line of cosmetic products
aesthetic

Refers to the appreciation or concern with beauty or artistic taste. It can be used in a broader sense, beyond just physical appearance, including art and design.

  • The aesthetic quality of the painting is remarkable
  • He has an eye for aesthetic details
reconstructive

Used in a medical context, often referring to surgeries or procedures aiming to restore function or appearance after injury or deformity. It usually addresses more serious issues than cosmetic changes.

  • She underwent reconstructive surgery after the accident
  • Reconstructive procedures are often vital for burn victims

Examples of usage

  • cosmetic surgery
  • cosmetic products
Context #2 | Noun

beauty products

A product applied to the body, especially the face, to improve its appearance.

Synonyms

beauty products, makeup.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cosmetic

This term is often used in a broad sense to refer to products or treatments that improve appearance. It can extend beyond makeup to include skincare, hair products, and other beauty enhancements. It is suitable for both professional and casual settings.

  • She visited a cosmetic clinic for a skin treatment
  • The company released a new line of cosmetic products
makeup

This term specifically refers to products that are applied to the face to enhance or alter appearance, such as foundation, lipstick, and eyeshadow. It is usually used in contexts related to personal grooming, fashion, and sometimes entertainment industries.

  • She loves experimenting with different makeup styles
  • You can find a lot of makeup tutorials online
beauty products

This phrase is a general term to describe any products related to enhancing beauty. It typically includes skincare, haircare, and makeup. It's often used in marketing and retail contexts when referring to the variety of products available.

  • The store has a wide range of beauty products
  • She bought some beauty products to try out new skincare routines

Examples of usage

  • She always carries her cosmetics with her.
  • I need to buy some new cosmetics.

Translations

Translations of the word "cosmetic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cosmético

🇮🇳 कॉस्मेटिक

🇩🇪 kosmetisch

🇮🇩 kosmetik

🇺🇦 косметичний

🇵🇱 kosmetyczny

🇯🇵 化粧品 (けしょうひん)

🇫🇷 cosmétique

🇪🇸 cosmético

🇹🇷 kozmetik

🇰🇷 화장품 (hwajangpum)

🇸🇦 تجميلي

🇨🇿 kosmetický

🇸🇰 kozmetický

🇨🇳 化妆品 (huàzhuāngpǐn)

🇸🇮 kozmetika

🇮🇸 snyrtivörur

🇰🇿 косметика

🇬🇪 კოსმეტიკა

🇦🇿 kosmetik

🇲🇽 cosmético

Etymology

The word "cosmetic" originated from the Greek word "kosmetikos", meaning skilled in adornment. The use of cosmetics dates back to ancient civilizations, where various natural substances were used for beautification purposes. Over time, the cosmetic industry has evolved to include a wide range of products aimed at enhancing one's appearance.

See also: cosmic.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,365, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.