Global Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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global

[หˆษกlษ™สŠbษ™l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

economy

Relating to or encompassing the whole world; worldwide.

Synonyms

international, universal, worldwide.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
global

Used when talking about something that affects or involves the entire world.

  • Climate change is a global issue that impacts every country.
  • The company announced a new global strategy.
worldwide

Used to indicate something that is spread or exists all over the world.

  • The new movie gained worldwide popularity.
  • The product is now available worldwide.
international

Used to describe something that involves more than one country but not necessarily the entire world.

  • She is studying international relations at university.
  • The international trade agreement was signed by several countries.
universal

Used when discussing something that applies to all people or things in general, without exception.

  • A motherโ€™s love is considered to be universal.
  • The language of mathematics is universal.

Examples of usage

  • global trade agreements
  • global warming is a major concern
Context #2 | Noun

business

A global company is one that operates in multiple countries and continents.

Synonyms

international, multinational, worldwide.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
global

Use when referring to something that pertains to the entire world, often implying interconnectedness and comprehensive reach.

  • Climate change is a global issue that affects every country
  • The company launched a global marketing campaign
international

Best when describing interactions or activities between two or more countries, often involving cross-border relations.

  • The United Nations is an international organization
  • She is studying International Law
multinational

Suitable for referring to businesses or organizations operating in multiple countries, implying a broad geographical footprint.

  • Google is a multinational corporation
  • They work for a multinational company with offices in several countries
worldwide

Appropriate for describing something that exists or occurs everywhere in the world, highlighting its universal presence or distribution.

  • The brand is recognized worldwide
  • COVID-19 led to a worldwide pandemic

Examples of usage

  • Many global companies have headquarters in more than one country.
  • The company's global expansion strategy has been successful.
Context #3 | Noun

computing

A variable that is accessible throughout an entire program.

Synonyms

accessible throughout, program-wide, universal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
global

Use this word when talking about something that affects or is applicable to the entire world or the entire system in a software context.

  • Climate change is a global issue.
  • The variable is declared as global and can be accessed anywhere in the program.
universal

This word is best used when something is applicable to all cases, people, or situations without exception. It has a more general and all-encompassing meaning.

  • Universal health care is a goal we are striving toward.
  • The solution needs to be universal, suitable for all user scenarios.
program-wide

Use this term when referring specifically to something that applies to the entirety of a specific program or project.

  • We implemented a program-wide update to enhance performance.
  • This policy is program-wide and affects all departments.
accessible throughout

This phrase is typically used when emphasizing that something can be accessed or used in all parts of a particular area or throughout a process.

  • The document should be accessible throughout the company.
  • In our software, this function is accessible throughout all modules.

Examples of usage

  • Global variables can be accessed from any part of the program.
  • Be careful when using global variables as they can lead to unexpected behavior.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Political Science

  • Globalization refers to the interconnectedness of economies, cultures, and populations, transforming societies on an international scale.
  • The concept of global governance seeks to manage international cooperation and address global challenges, such as climate change and pandemics.
  • Global citizenship emphasizes the rights and responsibilities individuals have to the world as a whole, promoting peace and sustainability.

Science

  • Ecologists study global systems to understand issues like climate change, biodiversity, and ecosystems interactions across borders.
  • The 'global warming' phenomenon refers to the rise in Earth's average temperatures due to human activities, impacting weather and sea levels.
  • Global health research focuses on diseases that affect people worldwide, aiming to improve health outcomes regardless of location.

Technology

  • The internet has created a global village, allowing information and communication to flow freely across borders.
  • Global networks of trade and technology have changed how businesses operate, leading to international collaborations.
  • Software and digital platforms can be accessed globally, breaking down language and cultural barriers.

Cultural Studies

  • Global culture is often seen through the lens of pop music, movies, and fashion that transcend national borders, creating shared experiences.
  • Culinary practices have become globalized, with dishes from one region becoming popular in others, illustrating food as a cultural bridge.
  • Arts and literature now include diverse voices from around the world, enriching global perspectives and understanding.

Origin of 'global'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'global' comes from the Latin word 'globus,' meaning sphere or ball.
  • It started being used in the English language in the 1960s, particularly in discussions about international issues.
  • The prefix 'glo-' often refers to roundness or something that is complete, reflecting the word's association with the entire Earth.

The word 'global' originated from the Latin word 'globus', meaning a round mass or ball. It was first used in English in the early 17th century. The concept of globalism and globalization became popular in the late 20th century with the increasing interconnectedness of economies, cultures, and technologies on a global scale.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,065, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.