cosmic
Definitions
Relating to the universe or outer space
宇宙的；太空的
Inconceivably vast or significant; enormous
无比巨大的；极其重大的
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedcosm (cosmos, the universe) + -ic (relating to) = 'of the universe.' Because the universe is unimaginably large, the word stretched into a second sense — 'enormous, beyond all proportion' — as in a cosmic joke or cosmic significance.
Root cosmo still carries 4 more wordsWhy It Means This
Watch the two senses sit side by side: 'cosmic radiation' is literal (from space), while 'a cosmic mistake' is figurative (as big as the universe). English borrowed the sheer size of the cosmos as a ready-made measure of hugeness.
Usage Guide
- Literal/scientific: cosmic rays, cosmic radiation, cosmic background — about outer space
- Figurative (often emphatic or ironic): a cosmic joke, cosmic significance, cosmic scale — meaning 'staggeringly huge'
- Note: 'cosmic' has no comparative form; you don't say 'more cosmic' in normal use.
Example Sentences
- 1.
Cosmic rays constantly bombard the Earth's upper atmosphere.
- 2.
Losing the file the night before the deadline felt like a cosmic joke.
- 3.
The decision had consequences of almost cosmic significance.