Microcosm: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
microcosm
[ หmaษช.krษหkษz.ษm ]
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:
๐ต๐น microcosmo
๐ฎ๐ณ เคธเฅเคเฅเคทเฅเคฎเคเคเคค
๐ฉ๐ช Mikrokosmos
๐ฎ๐ฉ mikrokosmos
๐บ๐ฆ ะผัะบัะพะบะพัะผ
๐ต๐ฑ mikrokosmos
๐ฏ๐ต ใใฏใญใณในใขใน
๐ซ๐ท microcosme
๐ช๐ธ microcosmos
๐น๐ท mikrokozmos
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ฏธ์ธ์ฐ์ฃผ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุงูููู ุงูุตุบูุฑ
๐จ๐ฟ mikrokosmos
๐ธ๐ฐ mikrokosmos
๐จ๐ณ ๅพฎ่งๅฎๅฎ
๐ธ๐ฎ mikrokozmos
๐ฎ๐ธ smรกkosmos
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะผะธะบัะพะบะพัะผะพั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแ แแแแกแแแกแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ mikrokozmos
๐ฒ๐ฝ microcosmos
Etymology
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.
- ...
- 20654 intemperate
- 20655 rumored
- 20656 hypocrite
- 20657 microcosm
- 20658 suckling
- 20659 geochemistry
- 20660 negativity
- ...