Cosmetic Meaning
/kɒzˈmɛtɪk/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjImparting or improving beauty, particularly the beauty of the complexion.
adjExternal or superficial; pertaining only to the surface or appearance of something.
Sentence Examples
Cosmetic surgery is not covered by most insurance plans.
The speaker believes that cosmetic industries mislead women with impossible claims.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
CEFR Practice Quiz
She bought a new ____ cream to improve her skin's appearance.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
____ surgery is not covered by most insurance plans.
Word Origin & History
From French cosmétique, from Ancient Greek κοσμητική (kosmētikḗ, “the art of dress and ornament”), κοσμητικός (kosmētikós), from κοσμητής (kosmētḗs, “orderer, director, decorator”), from κοσμέω (kosméō, “to order, to arrange, to rule, to adorn, to equip, to dress, to embellish”), from κόσμος (kósmos, “order”). By surface analysis, cosmos + -etic.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Firſt, rob'd in white, the nymph intent adores / With head uncover'd, the coſmetic pow'rs."
— 1714, Alexander Pope, “The Rape of the Lock”, in The Works of Mr. Alexander Pope, volume I, London: […] W[illiam] Bowyer, for Bernard Lintot, […], published 1717, →OCLC, canto I, page 127:
"These endocrine disruptors are everywhere: plastics, shampoos, cosmetics, cushions, pesticides, canned foods and A.T.M. receipts. They often aren’t on labels and can be difficult to avoid."
— 2021 February 20, Nicholas Kristof, “What Are Sperm Telling Us?”, in The New York Times, →ISSN:
"All depends upon circumstances—anger as much as any thing else. Interest is your only true cosmetic for smoothing the brow."
— 1834, L[etitia] E[lizabeth] L[andon], chapter XXV, in Francesca Carrara. […], volume III, London: Richard Bentley, […], (successor to Henry Colburn), →OCLC, page 217:
Explore More B1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
She bought a new ____ cream to improve her skin's appearance.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
____ surgery is not covered by most insurance plans.