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Where does the word "cosmetic" come from? It comes from Greek kosmētikos, and was adopted directly into English (1600s).
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Where does the word "cosmetic" come from? It comes from Greek kosmētikos, and was adopted directly into English (1600s).
Cosmetic’s story begins in Greek: kosmētikos meant “skilled in adorning.” Greek, from 'kosmos', order, ornament. It reached English by 1600s as cosmetic. 'cosmos' and 'cosmetic' share the idea of order and arrangement. Today, cosmetic means a product for improving appearance.
- Stage 1 · Greek · ancient kosmētikos "skilled in adorning", Greek, from 'kosmos', order, ornament.
- Stage 2 · English · 1600s cosmetic "beautifying", 'cosmos' and 'cosmetic' share the idea of order and arrangement.