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Cosmopolitan Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cosmopolitan

[kษ’zmษ™หˆpษ’lษชt(ษ™)n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

popular magazine

A cosmopolitan is a person who is free from local, provincial, or national bias or attachments; citizen of the world. In modern usage, it often refers to a cocktail made with vodka, orange liqueur, cranberry juice, and lime juice.

Synonyms

global citizen, worldly person.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cosmopolitan

Used to describe someone or something that is familiar with and at ease in many different cultures and countries. It can also describe places that have a diverse and international appeal.

  • New York City is a truly cosmopolitan place, with people and cultures from all over the world.
  • She has a cosmopolitan outlook after living in five different countries.
worldly person

Refers to someone who has a lot of experience and knowledge about the world, usually gained through travel and diverse life experiences. This can sometimes imply a sophisticated or well-informed character.

  • As a worldly person, she easily adapted to the different customs and traditions while traveling.
  • Despite his young age, his extensive travels made him a very worldly person.
global citizen

Typically used to highlight an individual's identification with and responsibility towards global issues and communities, rather than being limited by national boundaries.

  • He considers himself a global citizen, always advocating for climate change and human rights.
  • Global citizens understand that actions in one part of the world can have significant effects elsewhere.

Examples of usage

  • The cosmopolitan woman traveled to over 30 countries in the past year.
  • He prided himself on being a true cosmopolitan, embracing diversity and different cultures.
  • The cosmopolitan cocktail is a popular choice at upscale bars and restaurants.
Context #2 | Adjective

relating to a city

Cosmopolitan can also be used as an adjective to describe something that is familiar with and at ease in many different countries and cultures. It can also refer to a city or place that is characterized by the presence of many different nationalities and cultures.

Synonyms

diverse, international.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cosmopolitan

Often used in a similar way to the other 'cosmopolitan,' but in a more casual sense or for emphasizing a different aspect of worldly connections.

  • London is very cosmopolitan; you can find almost any type of cuisine there
international

Appropriate when referring to something involving multiple nations or when emphasizing global participation and interaction.

  • She works for an international corporation
  • The city hosts an international film festival every year
diverse

Best used to describe a variety, especially when talking about different cultures, viewpoints, or ethnic backgrounds within a group or place.

  • The university's student population is incredibly diverse
  • Her interests are quite diverse, ranging from science to art

Examples of usage

  • New York City is known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, with people from all over the world living and working there.
  • The cosmopolitan nature of the city's population makes it a melting pot of different traditions and customs.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many urban areas, cosmopolitanism is celebrated for its diversity, where cultures, languages, and cuisines blend.
  • Some of the world's most vibrant cities, like New York and Tokyo, are described as cosmopolitan due to their rich mix of cultures.

Literature

  • In literature, characters who are cosmopolitan often embody traits of openness and adaptability, representing modern global society.
  • Famous literary works, like 'The Cosmopolitan' magazine, highlight lifestyle and cultural ideas that appeal to a diverse audience.

Science

  • In biology, the term is used to describe species that are found all over the world, adapting to various environments.
  • Cosmopolitan species often thrive in urban settings, reflecting how adaptable life can be in diverse habitats.

Pop Culture

  • The term 'cosmopolitan' is frequently associated with travel and lifestyle brands, promoting an adventurous and sophisticated way of living.
  • Cosmopolitan themes are prevalent in films and TV shows that explore life in big cities with multicultural influences.

Origin of 'cosmopolitan'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Greek 'kosmopolites', which means 'citizen of the world'.
  • It began being used in the English language in the early 19th century, expanding its meaning to represent global citizens.

The word 'cosmopolitan' comes from the Greek word 'kosmopolitฤ“s', which is a combination of 'kosmos' meaning 'world' and 'politeฬ„s' meaning 'citizen'. The concept of cosmopolitanism has roots in ancient philosophy, particularly in the ideas of Greek philosophers such as Diogenes and Stoics. It gained popularity in the Enlightenment era with the rise of global trade and exploration. Today, being cosmopolitan is often associated with being open-minded, tolerant, and embracing diversity.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,204, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.