# cosmic

/ˈkɑzmɪk/ (US) · /kˈɒzmɪk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cosmic
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. space and the universe

adjective · CEFR B2

relating to the universe or the space outside of Earth.

For teachers: relating to the cosmos or the universe as a whole, especially as distinct from Earth.

- Scientists are studying cosmic rays that travel through space at high speeds.
- The telescope captured images of cosmic dust clouds where new stars are currently being formed millions of light-years away.

Usage: Often used in scientific collocations like 'cosmic rays', 'cosmic dust', or 'cosmic microwave background'.

### 2. vast or huge

adjective · CEFR C1 · Literary

extremely large, important, or powerful.

For teachers: inconceivably great in size, intensity, or significance.

- The failure of the project was a disaster of cosmic proportions.
- The author explores the cosmic irony of a hero who causes his own downfall while trying to prevent it.

Teaching tip: This sense is often used figuratively to exaggerate the scale of a problem or event, frequently in the phrase 'of cosmic proportions'.

### 3. spiritual or metaphysical

adjective · CEFR C1 · Academic

relating to spiritual or deep ideas about the meaning of the universe.

For teachers: relating to abstract spiritual or metaphysical concepts regarding the nature of existence.

- The monk spoke about finding a sense of cosmic peace through meditation.
- The philosopher argued that humans possess a cosmic consciousness that connects them to all living things.

## Examples

- The telescope captured images of cosmic dust.
- Scientists are studying cosmic rays to understand the origins of the universe and how stars are born.
- The philosopher argued that individual human problems seem insignificant when viewed against the backdrop of cosmic time, which spans billions of years and countless galaxies.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.