cosmology
koz-MOL-uh-jee
/kɒzˈmɒl.ə.dʒi/
An account or theory of the origin, structure, and dynamics of the universe.
In anthropological contexts, it refers to a culture's mythological or spiritual blueprint of how the cosmos and human life fit together.
The story behind the word. From Greek 'kosmos', which meant order, harmony, or the arranged universe, combined with '-logia' (study of). The ancient Greeks viewed the universe as an ordered, harmonious whole.
Word relationships
- cosmogeny: Cosmogeny specifically explains the origin or birth of the universe, whereas cosmology includes its structure and governance.
- worldview: Worldview is a broader subjective outlook on daily life, while cosmology is a structured account of the universe.
Commonly confused with
- cosmetology: Cosmetology is the study of cosmetics and beauty care; cosmology is the study of the structure of the cosmos.
Word family
- cosmological (adjective): Relating to cosmology.
- cosmologist (noun): A scholar or scientist who studies cosmology.
Collocations
- indigenous cosmology
- cosmology framework
- physical cosmology
- traditional cosmology
Example sentences
- "Mayan cosmology mapped the universe into three interconnected realms: the heavens, the earth, and the underworld." Anthropology
- "Modern physical cosmology seeks to explain the expansion of the universe using dark energy equations." Astrophysics
Memory hook
COSMO (cosmos/space) + LOGY (study of) = Study of the structure of the universe. Blueprint of the cosmos.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'cosmetology' (the study of beauty treatments and cosmetics).
Fun facts
- Many indigenous cosmologies view humans not as masters of nature, but as integral threads in a universal web.
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