cosmic
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cosmic
Relates to the cosmos, outer space, or the universe in an astronomical or physical sense.
Die kosmische Strahlung kann für Astronauten auf langen Missionen gefährlich werden.
Cosmic radiation can become dangerous for astronauts on long missions.
The adjective 'kosmisch' (cosmic) derives from the noun 'der Kosmos' (the cosmos), which means outer space or the universe. The ending '-isch' is a typical ending used to form adjectives from nouns.
Astronomen beobachten ein fernes kosmisches Objekt.
Astronomers are observing a distant cosmic object.
You can recognize the meaning from the noun that 'kosmisch' (cosmic) describes. If it refers to science or astronomy (e.g., radiation, dust), the literal meaning is meant. If it refers to abstract concepts (e.g., silence, scale), the figurative meaning 'immense' is meant.
Die kosmische Strahlung ist außerhalb der Erdatmosphäre stärker.
Cosmic radiation is stronger outside Earth's atmosphere.
In its figurative meaning, 'kosmisch' (cosmic) is often used to emphasize an extreme scale. Typical combinations are 'kosmische Ausmaße annehmen' (to take on cosmic proportions), 'eine kosmische Leere' (a cosmic emptiness), or 'von kosmischer Bedeutung sein' (to be of cosmic significance).
Der Skandal nahm für die Firma kosmische Ausmaße an.
The scandal took on cosmic proportions for the company.
huge
'riesig' and 'kosmisch' can both describe a very large extent. 'riesig' is the normal word when something is very large, for example a building, a problem, or an amount. 'kosmisch' sounds much more figurative and stronger. It brings outer space to mind and, in a figurative sense, means an almost unimaginable scale. In everyday language, 'riesig' is usually more natural. 'kosmisch' fits better when you want to emphasize especially strongly, or somewhat poetically, how large something is. Important: 'kosmisch' can also really have to do with outer space; in that case, it is not simply a substitute for 'riesig'.
Für das kleine Team war der Erfolg fast kosmisch.
For the small team, the success was almost cosmic.
Vor dem Eingang stand eine riesige Schlange.
There was a huge line in front of the entrance.