adj

cosmetic

koz-MEH-tihk

adj

Relating to improving or enhancing appearance, especially of the skin or face.

"She had cosmetic surgery to reshape her nose."

Affecting only surface appearance rather than anything substantial.

"The company's changes were purely cosmetic — the underlying problems remained."

noun

A product used to enhance or beautify skin, such as lipstick or foundation.

"Her makeup bag was full of half-used cosmetics."

How to Use Cosmetic

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo do with beauty products, or describing a fix that only changes appearances, not substance.

Common mistake

"Cosmetic" (surface-level) is often used critically, as in "a cosmetic change," meaning nothing real actually improved.

Common pairings

cosmetic surgery cosmetic change purely cosmetic

more cosmetic comparative, cosmetics plural, most cosmetic superlative

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She had _____ surgery to reshape her nose.

From Greek kosmetikos, "skilled in ordering or decorating," from kosmos, meaning "order" or "adornment."

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