microcosm

Microcosm (noun) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

IPA:

What does microcosm mean?

A small, self-contained system or community that is considered to be a representative or an analogy of a larger, more complex system or society.
"The social media platform was a microcosm of the diverse perspectives and opinions."

Detailed Meaning of Microcosm

The word comes from the Greek "mikros" meaning small and "kosmos" meaning world. In literature, a microcosm can refer to a story or novel that presents a small community or group of characters as a reflection of larger social or political issues. In science, a microcosm can refer to a small ecosystem, such as a pond or a patch of forest, that is studied as a model for understanding larger, more complex ecosystems. In philosophy, a microcosm can refer to a person, who is considered to be a reflection of the universe and contains within them all the elements of the larger world.
A microcosm can also refer to a community or group of people that are considered to represent a larger society or culture.
In general, a microcosm is a small, self-contained system or community that is considered to be a representative or an analogy of a larger, more complex system or society. It can be used in various fields such as literature, science, philosophy, and sociology, and it implies that the small system or community is a reflection of the larger one.

Example Sentences for Microcosm

1. The small community was a microcosm of the larger society.
2. The classroom was a microcosm of the diverse student population.
3. The company was a microcosm of the global business world.
4. The ecosystem was a microcosm of the planet's biodiversity.
5. The laboratory was a microcosm of the scientific community.
6. The team was a microcosm of the company's workforce.

Origin and Etymology of Microcosm

The noun 'microcosm' has a fascinating etymology that combines Greek roots. It is formed from 'micro,' meaning 'small,' and 'kosmos,' which translates to 'world' or 'order.' In ancient Greek philosophy and cosmology, the term 'microcosm' was used to describe the idea that the smaller, individual parts of the world, such as humans or communities, were reflective of and analogous to the larger, universal order or cosmos. This concept suggested that the characteristics and dynamics of smaller systems could serve as representations or models of larger, more complex systems or societies. Over time, 'microcosm' found its way into English with a similar meaning, referring to a small, self-contained system or community that is considered to be a representative or an analogy of a larger, more intricate whole. The etymology of 'microcosm' underscores its role as a miniature world reflecting the broader complexities and dynamics of the universe or society.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the noun microcosm:

universe

miniature

macrocosm

entirety

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

More Usage Examples of Microcosm

1. The island was a microcosm of the earth's natural resources.
2. The school was a microcosm of the education system.
3. The group of friends was a microcosm of the different personalities and backgrounds.
4. The neighborhood was a microcosm of the city's cultural and socioeconomic diversity.
5. The bustling city is a microcosm of diversity and multiculturalism.
6. The small town serves as a microcosm of traditional values and close-knit communities.
7. The school classroom is a microcosm where students learn important social skills.
8. The Internet can be seen as a microcosm of human society, with its own dynamics and interactions.
9. The art gallery represents a microcosm of different artistic movements and styles.
10. The ecosystem within a pond can be considered a microcosm of a larger natural environment.
11. The group of friends formed a microcosm of support and understanding.
12. The political debate mirrored the larger societal issues, functioning as a microcosm of the nation's concerns.
13. The experimental laboratory served as a microcosm to study complex biological processes.
14. The neighborhood park acts as a microcosm of communal gathering and recreational activities.
15. The bustling marketplace is a microcosm of commerce and exchange.
16. The social media platform creates a microcosm of virtual communities and interactions.
17. The sports team represents a microcosm of teamwork, discipline, and competition.
18. The microcosm of a single cell contains intricate molecular processes essential for life.
19. The camping trip became a microcosm of survival skills and teamwork.
20. The theater production created a microcosm of emotions, storytelling, and artistic expression.
21. The school club formed a microcosm of shared interests and passions.
22. The apartment building acted as a microcosm of diverse residents and interactions.
23. The scientific experiment provided a microcosm of controlled conditions to observe specific phenomena.
24. The family reunion served as a microcosm of generational dynamics and familial relationships.