Microcosm: meaning, definitions and examples

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microcosm

 

[ หˆmaษช.krษ™หŒkษ’z.ษ™m ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

small world

A microcosm is a miniature representation of a larger reality. It often refers to a small group, community, or system that encapsulates the characteristics and dynamics of a larger whole. The concept is frequently used in sociology, literature, and environmental studies to illustrate how smaller entities mirror the complexities of broader societal structures. By examining a microcosm, scholars can gain insights into more extensive phenomena through analysis that is more manageable and specific.

Synonyms

example, miniature, model, representation, simulacrum

Examples of usage

  • The school is a microcosm of society.
  • Her family serves as a microcosm for the community at large.
  • The simulation created a microcosm of urban life.
  • This novel presents a microcosm of human behavior.

Translations

Translations of the word "microcosm" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น microcosmo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเฅ‚เค•เฅเคทเฅเคฎเคœเค—เคค

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Mikrokosmos

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ mikrokosmos

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะผั–ะบั€ะพะบะพัะผ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ mikrokosmos

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒŸใ‚ฏใƒญใ‚ณใ‚นใƒขใ‚น

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท microcosme

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ microcosmos

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท mikrokozmos

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ฏธ์„ธ์šฐ์ฃผ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงู„ูƒูˆู† ุงู„ุตุบูŠุฑ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ mikrokosmos

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ mikrokosmos

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅพฎ่ง‚ๅฎ‡ๅฎ™

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ mikrokozmos

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ smรกkosmos

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะผะธะบั€ะพะบะพัะผะพั

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒ˜แƒ™แƒ แƒแƒ™แƒแƒกแƒ›แƒแƒกแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ mikrokozmos

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ microcosmos

Word origin

The term 'microcosm' derives from the Greek word 'microkosmos', which means 'small world'. The origins of this concept can be traced back to ancient philosophy, where it was used to describe the relationship between the human being and the universe. The microcosm reflects the belief that individuals and smaller groups embody the broader qualities and characteristics of the cosmos. In the Renaissance period, microcosm was used to map human behavior, societies, and their interactions in a miniature framework. This idea continued to evolve, gaining prominence in various disciplines such as literature, sociology, and environmental studies, where it serves as a critical lens through which we analyze and understand larger systems.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,657, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.