universal

[ yoo-nuh-vur-suhl ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of all or the whole:

   universal experience.

2. applicable everywhere or in all cases; general:

   a universal cure.

3. affecting, concerning, or involving all:

   universal military service.

4. used or understood by all:

   a universal language.

5. present everywhere:

   the universal calm of southern seas.

6. versed in or embracing many or all skills, branches of learning, etc.:

   Leonardo da Vinci was a universal genius.

7. of or relating to the universe, all nature, or all existing things:

   universal cause.

8. characterizing all or most members of a class; generic.
9. Logic. (of a proposition) asserted of every member of a class.
10. Linguistics. found in all languages or belonging to the human language faculty.
11. Machinery. noting any of various machines, tools, or devices widely adaptable in position, range of use, etc.
12. Metalworking.
    1. (of metal plates and shapes) rolled in a universal mill.
    2. (of a rolling mill or rolling method) having or employing vertical edging rolls.

noun

1. something that may be applied throughout the universe to many things, usually thought of as an entity that can be in many places at the same time.
2. a trait, characteristic, or property, as distinguished from a particular individual or event, that can be possessed in common, as the care of a mother for her young.
3. Logic. a universal proposition.
4. Philosophy.
   1. a general term or concept or the generic nature that such a term signifies; a Platonic idea or Aristotelian form.
   2. an entity that remains unchanged in character in a series of changes or changing relations.
   3. Hegelianism. concrete universal.
5. language universal.
6. Machinery. universal joint.

universal

/ ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsəl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or typical of the whole of mankind or of nature
2. common to, involving, or proceeding from all in a particular group
3. applicable to or affecting many individuals, conditions, or cases; general
4. existing or prevailing everywhere
5. applicable or occurring throughout or relating to the universe; cosmic

   a universal constant

6. (esp of a language) capable of being used and understood by all
7. embracing or versed in many fields of knowledge, activity, interest, etc
8. machinery designed or adapted for a range of sizes, fittings, or uses
9. linguistics (of a constraint in a formal grammar) common to the grammatical description of all human languages, actual or possible
10. logic (of a statement or proposition) affirming or denying something about every member of a class, as in all men are wicked Compare particular

noun

1. philosophy
   1. a general term or concept or the type such a term signifies
   2. a metaphysical entity taken to be the reference of a general term, as distinct from the class of individuals it describes See also realism
   3. a Platonic Idea or Aristotelian form
2. logic
   1. a universal proposition, statement, or formula
   2. a universal quantifier
3. a characteristic common to every member of a particular culture or to every human being
4. short for universal joint

Usage

The use of more universal as in his writings have long been admired by fellow scientists, but his latest book should have more universal appeal is acceptable in modern English usage

Derived Forms

• ˌuniˈversalness, noun

Other Words From

• uni·versal·ness noun
• nonu·ni·versal adjective noun
• nonu·ni·versal·ly adverb
• quasi-uni·versal adjective
• quasi-uni·versal·ly adverb
• subu·ni·versal adjective
• super·uni·versal adjective
• super·uni·versal·ly adverb
• super·uni·versal·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of universal¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English universel (adjective), from Middle French, from Latin ūniversālis; equivalent to universe + -al ¹

Synonym Study

See general.

Example Sentences

Elliot‘s work has been received differently around the world. “But this film, I feel, is a little bit more universal,” he says.

From Los Angeles Times

It was introduced in 1997 as a universal payment to reassure pensioners they would be able to heat their homes as temperatures drop, although in practice recipients can spend it on whatever they want.

From BBC

He added: "My promise to Londoners is for as long as I am mayor, children going to state primary schools will receive this offer of a universal free school meal."

From BBC

At the time, the story manifested itself in a “very simple hand-drawn” short film about a cat and its fear of water — a universal narrative that allowed the story to proceed without a traditional antagonist.

From Los Angeles Times

First Minister John Swinney has been urged to find extra funding to provide universal coverage for winter fuel payments in his budget for 2025-26, which is due to be announced on 4 December.

From BBC

Related Words

• broad
• common
• comprehensive
• extensive
• global
• prevalent
• ubiquitous
• unlimited