Conclusion
The phrase “at the cost of” is commonly used in English language, but not everyone may be familiar with its meaning and usage. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of “at the cost of,” its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
“At the cost of” is a phrase that means doing something that has a negative impact on something else. It means that something is achieved, but at the expense of something else. It is a way of expressing that a particular action or decision has a price or a consequence.
Origin
The origin of the phrase “at the cost of” is not clear, but it is believed to have originated in the 17th century. The phrase is derived from the idea of a financial transaction where the cost of something is the amount of money that is required to purchase it.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, “at the cost of” means “at the expense of; by sacrificing or endangering.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “by making a sacrifice or suffering a loss.”
Associations
“At the cost of” is often associated with the idea of trade-offs. It means that in order to achieve something, you have to give up something else. It is also associated with the idea of consequences. When you make a decision, there are always consequences, and sometimes those consequences can be negative.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for “at the cost of” include “at the expense of,” “by sacrificing,” “by giving up,” “by losing,” and “by risking.”
Antonyms
Some antonyms for “at the cost of” include “without sacrificing,” “without losing,” “without risking,” and “without paying a price.”
The same root words
The phrase “at the cost of” does not have any specific root words, but it is related to the idea of sacrifice and trade-offs.
Example Sentences
- She achieved success, but at the cost of her personal life.
- The company increased its profits, but at the cost of laying off employees.
- He won the game, but at the cost of injuring his knee.
- The government passed the law, but at the cost of public outcry.
- She pursued her dream, but at the cost of financial stability.
“At the cost of” is a phrase that is commonly used in English language to express the idea of trade-offs and consequences. It means that in order to achieve something, you have to give up something else. The phrase has a negative connotation, as it implies that something is sacrificed or lost in the process.