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Universal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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universal

[ˌjuː.nɪˈvɜː.səl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

applicable to all cases or instances

Of, affecting, or done by all people or things in the world or in a particular group; applicable to all cases or instances.

Synonyms

all-encompassing, general, global.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
universal

Used when something applies everywhere or to everyone, often in a broad or abstract sense.

  • The need for love is universal.
  • This theory has universal relevance.
all-encompassing

Appropriate when describing something that includes everything within a particular scope or range.

  • The new law has an all-encompassing impact on the economy.
  • She has an all-encompassing knowledge of the subject.
global

Fits well when talking about something that pertains to the entire world or is worldwide in scope.

  • Climate change is a global issue.
  • The company has a global presence.
general

Best used when referring to something that is broad or not specific, often in a summary or overview context.

  • In general, the weather is mild here.
  • He gave a general overview of the project.

Examples of usage

  • The idea of universal human rights
  • A universal truth is true for all times and places.
Context #2 | Noun

a person or thing having universal effect, currency, or application

A person or thing having universal effect, currency, or application.

Synonyms

commonality, generalization, standard.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
universal

Describing something that applies to everyone or everything, regardless of culture, location, or situation.

  • The desire for happiness is a universal human trait.
  • This medicine has a universal application in treating common colds.
commonality

Referring to shared features or attributes among a group of people or things.

  • There is a lot of commonality between English and German words.
  • The commonality of experiences among the team helped build strong relationships.
standard

Indicating a level of quality or requirement that is widely accepted and expected.

  • This car meets the highest safety standards.
  • The company follows industry standards for data protection.
generalization

Making a broad statement that applies to a group based on specific observations, often used in discussions of trends or behaviors.

  • Saying that all teenagers are rebellious is a generalization.
  • The scientist made a generalization based on the data from the study.

Examples of usage

  • He was a universal in the world of fashion.
  • The theory is a universal in the field of physics.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • In philosophy, universal principles suggest truths that apply to all individuals, regardless of culture or background.
  • The idea of universal moral values challenges the notion of relativism, which holds that truth varies across different frameworks.
  • Philosophers like Kant argued for the existence of universal moral laws that everyone should follow.

Science

  • In physics, universal laws describe fundamental principles that govern the behavior of all matter and energy in the universe.
  • The theory of relativity proposes that laws of physics are universal and invariant for all observers, regardless of their relative motion.
  • Universal gravitation, formulated by Newton, states that every point mass attracts every other point mass in the universe.

Technology

  • Universal Design is an approach in product development that aims to make products accessible and usable for all people, regardless of age or ability.
  • Universal Serial Bus (USB) technology was developed to create a standard connection for devices, making them easily compatible.
  • Software languages can be termed universal if they can be used across various platforms and devices without modification.

Art & Culture

  • In literature and art, universal themes, such as love and loss, resonate across different cultures and eras.
  • The concept of universal human rights emerged after World War II, emphasizing rights that every person is entitled to regardless of nationality.
  • Folklore often contains universal symbols and stories that reflect shared human experiences, such as creation myths.

Origin of 'universal'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'universalis', which means 'belonging to all' or 'whole'.
  • In ancient times, it was often used in philosophy to discuss concepts that applied to the entire world.
  • The root 'uni-' means 'one', indicating oneness or wholeness.

The word 'universal' comes from the Latin word 'universalis', which is derived from 'universus', meaning 'combined into one, whole'. The concept of something that is universal has been present throughout history in various fields such as philosophy, mathematics, and religion. The idea of universal truths and principles has been a fundamental aspect of human thought and understanding.

See also: universality, universalize, university.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,305, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.