cosmetic

Language: en

🇬🇧 /kɒˈzmɛtɪk/ 🇺🇸 /kɑˈzmɛtɪk/

📖 Definitions

  1. noun
    A substance or preparation applied to the body, especially the face, to improve or alter appearance, such as makeup, skin cream, or hair product.
  2. adjective
    Relating to or used for improving the appearance of the body, especially the face.; Superficial or decorative only; not addressing the fundamental nature or substance of something.; Relating to surgery performed to improve or restore appearance rather than for medical necessity.
  3. noun
    Something that is superficial or merely decorative in nature; a superficial change or measure.

🔗 Details

Word forms

countable Plural: cosmetics Comparative: more cosmetic Superlative: most cosmetic

Collocations

cosmetic surgerycosmetic changescosmetic industrycosmetic productscosmetic damagecosmetic enhancement

Derivatives

cosmeticallycosmeticiancosmetologycosmetologist

Synonyms

superficialsurfacedecorativeornamentalmakeup

Antonyms

substantivefundamentalstructural

Commonly confused

cosmetology
EN: 'Cosmetology' is the professional study and practice of beauty treatments; 'cosmetic' is the adjective or the product itself.
aesthetic
EN: 'Aesthetic' relates to beauty and artistic appreciation broadly; 'cosmetic' specifically refers to external appearance enhancement, often implying superficiality.

Spelling tips

EN: Remember it is spelled with 'c' (not 'k') despite its Greek origin 'kosmetikos'. Note the 'e' before the suffix '-tic'.

💬 Examples

  1. She bought several new cosmetics at the department store.

  2. The cosmetic industry is worth billions of dollars worldwide.

  3. The reforms were merely cosmetic and did nothing to address the underlying problems.

  4. She decided to undergo cosmetic surgery to correct her nose.

  5. The policy changes were nothing more than a cosmetic to appease public opinion.