Word
cosmetics
Phoneticscos·met·ics, stress on the second syllable
US/kɑzˈmɛtɪks/
UK/kɒzmˈɛtɪks/
Definitions
01makeup products
B1 · Intermediate Plural noun
n. products like makeup, creams, or powders that you put on your skin or hair to look better.
n. preparations applied externally to the skin, hair, or nails to enhance or alter the appearance. Plural-only in this general sense.
“She spent a lot of money on expensive cosmetics at the department store.”
“The regulation of cosmetics ensures that the chemicals used in skin creams and hair dyes are safe for long-term daily application.”
Usage
Always used in the plural form when referring to the products themselves.
Synonyms
02superficial appearance
C1 · Advanced Plural noun Formal
n. the way something looks on the outside, especially when the inside stays the same.
n. the superficial aspects or outward appearance of a situation or object, often contrasted with its functional or structural reality.
“The company changed its logo, but it was just cosmetics; the service was still bad.”
“The critics argued that the government's new policy was merely cosmetics designed to appease voters without addressing the underlying economic crisis.”
Teaching tip
This sense is often used with a negative tone to suggest that a change is shallow or dishonest.
Etymology
From French cosmétique, from Ancient Greek κοσμητική (kosmētikḗ, “the art of dress and ornament”), from κοσμητικός (kosmētikós), an adjective of κοσμέω (kosméō, “to order, to arrange, to rule, to adorn, to equip, to dress, to embellish”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/cosmetics