Cosmic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cosmic

[ˈkɒzmɪk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

space

relating to the universe or cosmos, especially as distinct from the earth

Synonyms

astral, celestial, universal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cosmic

Use 'cosmic' when talking about anything related to the universe as a whole, especially large-scale phenomena and abstract concepts.

  • The cosmic forces at play are beyond our understanding.
  • The scientist presented a theory of cosmic evolution.
celestial

Use 'celestial' when referring to heavenly bodies such as stars, planets, and moons, or in a poetic/literary context to describe something divine or heavenly.

  • The night sky was filled with celestial wonders.
  • In mythology, celestial beings often interact with humans.
astral

Use 'astral' when discussing things related to stars or out-of-body experiences, often found in mystical or spiritual contexts.

  • He claimed to have had an astral journey during meditation.
  • They studied astral configurations to understand ancient astrology.
universal

Use 'universal' to describe something that applies everywhere or to everyone, often in the context of ideas, principles, or phenomena that are common to the entire universe.

  • The concept of love is universal.
  • They found a universal solution to the problem.

Examples of usage

  • The cosmic microwave background radiation is a key piece of evidence supporting the Big Bang theory.
  • Our understanding of cosmic phenomena has greatly expanded with advancements in technology.
Context #2 | Adjective

informal

vast and infinitely large

Synonyms

boundless, enormous, immense.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cosmic

Use when referring to something related to the universe or space. This term often conveys a sense of vastness and grandeur that is specific to outer space.

  • The cosmic expanse is filled with countless stars and galaxies.
  • Cosmic radiation can have significant effects on human health during space travel.
immense

Used to emphasize the huge size or degree of something. It carries a connotation of something overwhelmingly large, either in a physical or abstract sense.

  • The immense pressure of the job took a toll on her health.
  • The sculpture was of immense proportions.
enormous

Best for describing something extremely large in size, quantity, or extent. It’s a more general term and can apply to various contexts.

  • The elephant is an enormous animal.
  • The company made an enormous profit last year.
boundless

Appropriate for situations highlighting an unlimited or infinite quality, not necessarily related to physical size. Often used metaphorically.

  • She has boundless energy when it comes to helping others.
  • Their love for each other seemed boundless.

Examples of usage

  • She was mesmerized by the cosmic beauty of the night sky.
  • The cosmic scale of the universe is both awe-inspiring and humbling.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Cosmic rays are high-energy particles that travel through space and can impact life on Earth.
  • The cosmic microwave background radiation is considered the afterglow of the Big Bang, giving us clues about the universe's beginnings.
  • Scientists use cosmic distance ladder methods to measure how far away stars and galaxies are from Earth.

Pop Culture

  • In movies like 'Interstellar' and 'Guardians of the Galaxy,' cosmic themes play a critical role in storytelling.
  • The concept of cosmic horror, popularized by writers like H.P. Lovecraft, suggests that humans are insignificant in the grand universe.
  • Many musicians and albums use 'cosmic' as a theme, like the band 'Cosmic Rough Riders,' known for their celestial imagery in lyrics.

Psychology

  • The feeling of cosmic awareness can lead to spiritual experiences, where people feel connected to the universe.
  • Studies suggest that contemplating the vastness of space can reduce stress and promote wellbeing.
  • People often describe a 'cosmic perspective' as a shift in thinking that fosters greater empathy and appreciation for life.

Astronomy

  • Cosmic phenomena, such as supernovae and black holes, reveal the dynamic processes that shape our universe.
  • The Hubble Space Telescope has captured countless images of cosmic events that help us understand our place in the universe.
  • Cosmologists study the structure and evolution of the universe, trying to unlock the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy.

Origin of 'cosmic'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'cosmic' comes from the Greek word 'kosmos,' which means 'universe' or 'order.'
  • It started being used in English around the 16th century, originally to describe the universe in a broader sense.
  • Related words like 'cosmology' study the origins and development of the universe.

The word 'cosmic' originated from the Greek word 'kosmikos', meaning 'of this world'. It was first used in the 15th century to describe something related to the universe or cosmos. Over time, 'cosmic' has come to represent the vastness and mystery of outer space, as well as the interconnectedness of all things in the universe.


See also: cosmetic.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,077 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.