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Universalizing: meaning, definitions and examples

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universalizing

 

[ juː.nɪˈvɜːr.sə.laɪ.zɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

general application

Universalizing refers to the act of making something universally applicable or relevant. It often involves taking specific ideas, concepts, or practices and broadening their scope so they can be used in a wider context or by a larger audience.

Synonyms

broadening, extending, generalizing

Examples of usage

  • The scientists aimed at universalizing their findings for global understanding.
  • She is working on universalizing educational resources for students everywhere.
  • The initiative focuses on universalizing access to clean water.

Word origin

The term 'universalize' stems from the Latin word 'universalis', meaning 'of the whole' or 'general', which evolved from 'unus' (one) and 'versus' (turned). The prefix 'uni-' reflects the concept of oneness, while the root 'versal' comes from the idea of something that is turned or spread out. The suffix '-ize' implies to make or to become, indicating transformation. The word appears to have been adopted into the English lexicon in the mid-20th century, particularly gaining traction in discussions regarding philosophy, sociology, and cultural studies where the aim was to apply specific principles broadly across different contexts, promoting inclusiveness and commonality in understanding diverse subjects.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,203 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.