cosmetic

Everyday

1. Cosmetics are things like make-up, face cream and lipstick that people put on to look nicer. tree →
2. (adjective) Cosmetic means done only to improve how something looks, not how it works: «a cosmetic change». tree →
3. Cosmetic surgery is an operation to change how someone looks. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life it is about make-up and appearance. In discussions it can mean shallow: a cosmetic change does not fix the real problem. Phrases: «cosmetic surgery», «purely cosmetic», «cosmetics counter».

Examples

• Mum keeps her cosmetics in a little bag. tree →
• The scratch on the car is only cosmetic. tree →
• They gave the room a cosmetic makeover with new paint. tree →
• Some cosmetics are tested to make sure they are safe for skin. tree →
• Changing the name was just a cosmetic change. tree →
• Cosmetic surgery can change the shape of a nose. tree →

Note

The noun is usually plural: cosmetics. «Purely cosmetic» means it doesn't really matter for how something works. Not related to «cosmic».