Author
Home > Science > What is the Difference Between Cosmos and Universe?

Guilherme Mazui

•3 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between Cosmos and Universe?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The terms "cosmos" and "universe" are often used interchangeably to describe the system we live within, but they carry different connotations:

  • Cosmos: This term refers to a harmonious and orderly system that is governed by natural laws. The word "cosmos" comes from the Greek word "kosmos," which means "order" or "orderly arrangement". It is used to describe the physical aspects of the universe, such as stars, planets, galaxies, and black holes.
  • Universe: This term refers to everything that exists, including time, matter, and the laws that govern them. The word "universe" comes from the Latin word "universus," which means "whole," "entire," "all together," or "turned into one". It encompasses not only the physical aspects of the cosmos but also the rules of physics that govern the cosmos and non-tangible properties of the universe.

In summary, the main differences between cosmos and universe are:

  1. Cosmos implies a harmonious and orderly system governed by natural laws, focusing on the physical aspects of the universe.
  2. Universe refers to everything that exists, including time, matter, and the laws that govern them, and is considered a more complete and comprehensive term.
On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Cosmos and Universe?
  • Comparative Table: Cosmos vs Universe

    • Comparative Table: Cosmos vs Universe

    The terms "cosmos" and "universe" are often used interchangeably, but they have different connotations. Here is a table highlighting the differences between the two:

    Feature Cosmos Universe
    Meaning The cosmos refers to the entire universe, including everything that exists in space and time, and is considered a unified whole governed by natural law. The universe refers to the entire collection of planets, stars, and galaxies, including all matter, time, and space.
    Etymology The word "cosmos" is derived from the Greek word "κόσµος," meaning "order" or "ornament". The word "universe" comes from the Latin word "universus," meaning "all taken collectively".
    Usage Cosmos is sometimes used in popular works as a homage to Carl Sagan's famous TV series and is often associated with an orderly and harmonious system. The term "universe" is used more broadly to describe the totality of our existence, including all existing matter and space.

    In summary, the cosmos is a more inclusive and harmonious concept, while the universe is a broader term that encompasses all existing matter, space, and time. Although they are often used as synonyms, the cosmos emphasizes the order and unity of the universe, whereas the universe simply refers to the totality of existence.

    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.