Microcosm — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈmī-krə-ˌkä-zəm/ mi·cro·cosm

Meaning & Definition of Microcosm

Microcosm (noun)

  1. a little world; especially, the human race or human nature seen as an epitome of the world or the universe
  2. a community or other unity that is an epitome of a larger unity

Microcosm (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. something (such as a place or an event) that is seen as a small version of something much larger

    "The village is a microcosm of the whole country."

    "The game was a microcosm of the entire season."

    similar: cross section, case, exemplar, example, exemplification, illustration, instance, prototype, representative, sample, specimen, archetype, classic, locus classicus, paradigm, evidence, indication, manifestation, sign

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Microcosm

The most common words with a similar meaning to Microcosm:

cross section, case, exemplar, example, exemplification, illustration, instance, prototype, representative, sample, specimen, archetype, classic, locus classicus, paradigm, evidence, indication, manifestation, sign

Word Forms of Microcosm

Derived words: microcosmic (adjective), microcosmically (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Microcosm

Middle English, from Medieval Latin microcosmus, modification of Greek mikros kosmos

First known use: 15th century

Words & Phrases Containing Microcosm

in microcosm

Frequently Asked Questions about Microcosm

What does "Microcosm" mean?

"Microcosm" means a little world; especially, the human race or human nature seen as an epitome of the world or the universe. As a noun, it is defined as: a little world; especially, the human race or human nature seen as an epitome of the world or the universe.

What is another word for "Microcosm"?

Other words for "Microcosm" include cross section, case, exemplar, example, exemplification, illustration, instance and prototype. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Microcosm" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Microcosm"?

There are 19 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Microcosm". Common alternatives include cross section, case, exemplar, example, exemplification, illustration, instance, prototype, representative and sample.

How do you use "Microcosm" in a sentence?

Examples of "Microcosm" in a sentence: "The village is a microcosm of the whole country."; "The game was a microcosm of the entire season.".

Is "Microcosm" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Microcosm" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Microcosm"?

"Microcosm" is pronounced /ˈmī-krə-ˌkä-zəm/ and divided into syllables as mi·cro·cosm.

What is the origin of the word "Microcosm"?

"Microcosm" comes from Middle English, from Medieval Latin microcosmus, modification of Greek mikros kosmos. First known use: 15th century.

What is another word for "Microcosm" meaning "something (such as a place or an event) that is seen as a small version of something much larger"?

When "Microcosm" (noun) means something (such as a place or an event) that is seen as a small version of something much larger, synonyms include cross section, case, exemplar, example, exemplification and illustration.