cosmological principle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical, Academic, Scientific
Quick answer
What does “cosmological principle” mean?
The scientific assumption that, on sufficiently large scales, the universe is both homogeneous (the same in all locations) and isotropic (the same in all directions), meaning there is no preferred location or direction.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The scientific assumption that, on sufficiently large scales, the universe is both homogeneous (the same in all locations) and isotropic (the same in all directions), meaning there is no preferred location or direction.
In a broader philosophical or methodological context, it can represent the principle that laws of physics are universal and that observations from our local position are representative of the universe as a whole, opposing anthropocentric or geo-centric views.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling conventions (e.g., 'cosmological' vs. 'cosmological') are identical.
Connotations
Identical academic/scientific connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialised in both UK and US English, confined to relevant academic discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “cosmological principle” in a Sentence
[The] cosmological principle + [verb: states/assumes/implies/holds] + (that)-clauseAdjective (perfect/extended/standard) + cosmological principleVerb (adopt/apply/rely on/use) + the cosmological principleVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cosmological principle” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The model cosmologically principles a uniform universe.
- No standard verb form exists.
American English
- The theory cosmologically principles large-scale homogeneity.
- No standard verb form exists.
adverb
British English
- The universe is, cosmological-principle-wise, isotropic.
- No standard adverbial form is used.
American English
- They argued cosmological-principle-ly for homogeneity.
- No standard adverbial form is used.
adjective
British English
- The cosmological-principle approach underpins modern cosmology.
- It's a key cosmological-principle assumption.
American English
- They made a cosmological-principle-based argument.
- This is a fundamental cosmological-principle concept.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Primary context. Used in physics, astronomy, cosmology lectures, papers, and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Core terminology in theoretical cosmology and astrophysics when discussing models of the universe's large-scale structure.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cosmological principle”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cosmological principle”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cosmological principle”
- Misspelling as 'cosmological principle'.
- Using it to refer to environmental or earthly 'green' principles.
- Confusing it with the 'anthropic principle', which is related but distinct (focusing on conditions for observers).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a fundamental working assumption or postulate in cosmology. Observations, like the uniformity of the cosmic microwave background, strongly support it on the largest scales, but it remains a principle upon which models are built.
The Copernican Principle is a broader philosophical statement that humans or Earth do not occupy a privileged position in the universe. The Cosmological Principle is a stricter, more specific scientific formulation that adds mathematical homogeneity and isotropy to this idea.
It is intended to apply to the 'observable universe' on scales larger than about 100-200 megaparsecs. On smaller scales, structures like galaxies and clusters clearly violate homogeneity and isotropy.
A clear, significant large-scale anisotropy (preferred direction) or a gradient in galaxy density indicating a true centre or edge to the universe would challenge the principle.
The scientific assumption that, on sufficiently large scales, the universe is both homogeneous (the same in all locations) and isotropic (the same in all directions), meaning there is no preferred location or direction.
Cosmological principle is usually technical, academic, scientific in register.
Cosmological principle: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɒz.məˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.kəl ˈprɪn.sə.pəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɑːz.məˈlɑː.dʒɪ.kəl ˈprɪn.sə.pəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly. Conceptual: 'We are not in a special place' is a paraphrase of its implication.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a giant, perfectly mixed fruitcake (homogeneous) that looks the same no matter which way you slice it (isotropic). The 'Cosmo' logical principle is about the COSMOS being that uniform cake.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE UNIVERSE IS A HOMOGENEOUS FABRIC (with no special threads or patches).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes the 'cosmological principle'?