What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
astronaut
Example
Neil Armstrong was the first astronaut to walk on the moon. [astronaut: noun]
Example
She dreams of becoming an astronaut and exploring the mysteries of the universe. [astronaut: noun]
cosmonaut
Example
Yuri Gagarin was the first cosmonaut to orbit the Earth. [cosmonaut: noun]
Example
The cosmonauts conducted experiments on the International Space Station. [cosmonauts: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Astronaut is more commonly used than cosmonaut in everyday language, especially in English-speaking countries. Astronaut has become a widely recognized term due to the prominence of NASA and its space missions. On the other hand, cosmonaut is more commonly used in Russia and countries influenced by Russian language and culture.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between astronaut and cosmonaut?
Both astronaut and cosmonaut are formal terms used in scientific and space exploration contexts. However, astronaut is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings, while cosmonaut is more specific to the Russian space program and may be considered more formal.
