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cosmos
/kɔs.mos/
universe
L'étude du cosmos nous aide à comprendre l'origine de l'univers.
Studying the cosmos helps us understand the origin of the universe.
formal
The universe seen as a well-ordered whole
Les astronomes explorent les confins du cosmos.
Astronomers explore the far reaches of the cosmos.
Often used in scientific or poetic contexts to refer to the entire universe.
formal
A harmonious and orderly system
Pour les stoïciens, le cosmos était un tout ordonné et rationnel.
For the Stoics, the cosmos was an ordered and rational whole.
Reflects the Greek philosophical concept of a structured universe.
Collocations
le cosmosthe cosmosdans le cosmosin the cosmos
Pro Tip
Avoid confusion with 'cosmos' as a plant
'Cosmos' can also refer to a genus of flowering plants (Cosmos bipinnatus). Context usually clarifies the meaning, but in scientific texts, 'cosmos' refers to the universe.
Word Origin
From Ancient Greek κόσμος (kósmos, "order, arrangement, ornament, world"), related to κόσμημα (kósmēma, "ornament") and κοσμέω (kosméō, "to arrange, adorn"). The term evolved to mean "the ordered universe" in philosophical and scientific contexts.
Usage Notes
In French, 'cosmos' is often used in a poetic or scientific register. It is less common in everyday speech compared to 'univers' or 'monde'.
Dictionnaire Français-Anglais