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macrocosm — the whole of a complex structure, especially the universe, contrasted with a small or representative part of it

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: the whole of a complex structure, especially the universe, contrasted with a small or representative part of it

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈmækroʊkɑːzəm/

Example Sentences

  • My messy room is a microcosm of the chaotic macrocosm that is my entire life.
  • The philosopher studied how individual behavior reflects the macrocosm of society.
  • In ancient times, people believed that humans were a microcosm of the divine macrocosm.

macrocosm

NOUN

[/ˈmækroʊkɑːzəm/]

the whole of a complex structure, especially the universe, contrasted with a small or representative part of it

The universe versus its tiny part
💡 Concept

The universe versus its tiny part

Bridge the chasm with cosmic enthusiasm!
🎵 Rhyme

Bridge the chasm with cosmic enthusiasm!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈmækroʊkɑːzəm/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈmækrəʊkɒzəm/

🌳Etymology

Prefixmacro--
Rootcosm

Origin

The word derives from Greek, combining 'makros' (large, great) and 'kosmos' (world, universe, order). Medieval philosophers adopted the term to describe the universe as a whole, contrasting it with 'microcosm' (the individual human being).

Breakdown

macro- (from Greek makros, meaning large) + -cosm (from Greek kosmos, meaning world or universe). Together they denote the great world or universe as a unified system.

🎵Rhyme

chasm
spasm
enthusiasm

🔗Collocations

macrocosm and microcosm
social macrocosm
cosmic macrocosm
reflect the macrocosm
universal macrocosm

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“My messy room is a microcosm of the chaotic macrocosm that is my entire life.”

“The philosopher studied how individual behavior reflects the macrocosm of society.”

“In ancient times, people believed that humans were a microcosm of the divine macrocosm.”

😄 Fun example

“The CEO's office drama somehow became a perfect microcosm of the corporate macrocosm's dysfunction.”

📚Related Words

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