What does cosmologically mean?
Cosmologically is the adverb form of cosmological, meaning “with reference to cosmology.” It is most commonly used in astronomy, physics, and philosophy when a statement concerns the origin, structure, evolution, or large-scale behavior of the universe. A writer might say that two theories are “cosmologically incompatible,” meaning that they cannot both provide a coherent account of the universe’s origin or development. The adverb can also modify a comparison, as in “cosmologically speaking,” to signal that a claim concerns the universe as a whole rather than a local or practical matter. Its register is formal and intellectual, and its use implies that cosmology or a well-developed cosmological model is relevant to the point being made. Because the word comes from Greek roots associated with an ordered universe and the study of that universe, it carries the broad, elevated implication of a universe-wide perspective.
adverbWith reference to cosmology, especially the origin, structure, and evolution of the universe.
- In relation to cosmology or the universe as a whole.
"The two theories are cosmologically incompatible, even though both fit the available observations."
"The model is cosmologically consistent with current observations."
"Cosmologically speaking, the age of the universe is inferred from observations of its expansion."
Cosmologically points to the grandest scale imaginable: the origin and structure of the universe itself.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does cosmologically come from?
English acquired cosmology through New Latin from Greek roots: kosmos, meaning an ordered arrangement or universe, and -logia, meaning the study of a subject. English later developed cosmological from cosmology, and cosmologically was formed from that adjective with the adverbial suffix -ly. The result belongs to the same root family as cosmology, cosmologist, and microcosm.
How cosmologically is actually used
Formal and specialist, especially in astronomy, physics, and philosophy. It is occasionally used more broadly to emphasize a universe-wide conceptual perspective.
Easily confused with cosmologically
Cosmetically concerns appearance or beauty, whereas cosmologically concerns the origin, structure, or development of the universe.