cosmogony
koz-MOG-uh-nee
/kɒzˈmɒɡəni/
A theory or story regarding the origin and development of the universe.
Unlike 'cosmology,' which is the scientific study of the universe's current state, cosmogony focuses specifically on the moment of birth or creation.
The story behind the word. Derived from the Greek 'kosmos,' which surprisingly meant 'order' or 'ornament' before it meant 'world,' and 'gonia,' meaning birth. To the Greeks, the creation of the world was the act of bringing 'order' to 'chaos.'
Word relationships
- genesis: Genesis refers to the beginning of anything, while cosmogony is specifically about the universe.
Commonly confused with
- cosmology: Cosmology is the study of the universe's structure; cosmogony is the study of its origin.
Word family
- cosmogonical (adjective): Relating to the origin of the universe.
Collocations
- ancient cosmogony
- scientific cosmogony
- mythical cosmogony
Example sentences
- "The Babylonian Enuma Elish is a famous cosmogony that describes the universe emerging from the conflict of primeval deities." Ancient Philosophy
- "The Big Bang theory is the prevailing scientific cosmogony of our time." Scientific Context
Memory hook
Think of 'Cosmo' (the universe) and 'Gony' (like agony of birth). The 'birth of the universe.' Cosmos-Birth.
When not to use
Do not use this to describe the end of the world; that is 'eschatology.'
Fun facts
- The word 'cosmetics' actually shares the same root as 'cosmogony' because both involve the idea of 'ordering' or 'arranging' something to make it beautiful.
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