cosmetic

/kɔz'metik/

Thân thiện

She applies a cosmetic lipstick in front of the mirror.

Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Relating to beauty treatment or enhancement: Describes something intended to improve or alter appearance, often without affecting underlying structure or function.
   • Superficial or dealing only with outward appearance: Describes changes or improvements that are minor, external, and do not address fundamental issues.

2. Noun:

   • A substance applied to the body to enhance appearance: A product such as makeup, lotion, or cream used to beautify the face, hair, or skin.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • She underwent cosmetic surgery to improve her profile.
  • The repairs to the old building were merely cosmetic and did not fix the structural problems.
• Noun:
  • The store sells a wide range of cosmetics, including lipstick and foundation.
  • Many cosmetics now contain natural ingredients.

Advanced Usage

• "Cosmetic changes": Superficial alterations that do not affect the core functionality or substance.
  • The software update brought only cosmetic changes to the interface, with no new features.
• "For cosmetic purposes": Done with the primary aim of improving appearance.
  • The procedure was done for cosmetic purposes, not for medical reasons.

Variants and Related Words

• Cosmetically (adverb): In a way that relates to beauty or superficial appearance.
  • The damage was cosmetically repaired, but the engine still had issues.
• Cosmetology (noun): The professional skill or practice of beautifying the face, hair, and skin.
  • She studied cosmetology to become a makeup artist.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Superficial, decorative, non-essential, aesthetic.
• Noun: Makeup, beautifier, toiletry.

Related Phrases

• "A cosmetic fix": A repair or solution that addresses only the visible symptoms, not the root cause.
  • Applying a new coat of paint was just a cosmetic fix for the rotting wall.
• "Cosmetic appeal": Attractiveness in terms of outward appearance or design.
  • The product's cosmetic appeal is a major factor in its marketing.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. serving an aesthetic purpose in beautifying the body
   • cosmetic surgery
   • enhansive makeup
2. serving an esthetic rather than a useful purpose
   • cosmetic fenders on cars
   • the buildings were utilitarian rather than decorative

Noun

1. a toiletry designed to beautify the body

Từ đồng nghĩa

• enhancive
• decorative
• ornamental