universalism

[ yoo-nuh-vur-suh-liz-uhm ]

noun

1. universal character; universality.
2. a universal range of knowledge, interests, or activities.
3. (initial capital letter) the doctrine that emphasizes the universal fatherhood of God and the final salvation of all souls. Compare apocatastasis ( def 2 ).

Universalism

¹

/ ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. a system of religious beliefs maintaining that all men are predestined for salvation

universalism

²

/ ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. a universal feature or characteristic
2. another word for universality
3. social welfare the principle that welfare services should be available to all by right, according to need, and not restricted by individual ability to pay, but funded by general contributions through taxes, rates, or national insurance payments

Derived Forms

• ˌUniˈversalist, nounadjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of universalism¹

First recorded in 1795–1805; universal + -ism

Example Sentences

"The broad universalism standing at the center of the Gospel makes brotherhood morally inescapable," he said at a conference on Christian faith.

From Salon

Mizrahi also understands the board’s equity analysis and the concept of “targeted universalism” that the district is trying to accomplish, she said.

From Seattle Times

While focusing on all students, the foundation is also tailoring some of its offerings to particular student groups — a principle called targeted universalism.

From Seattle Times

Membership plummeted to a few hundred by 2008 after Pearson began teaching what he called “the gospel of inclusion,” a form of universalism, which does not recognize hell.

From Seattle Times

There is a debate about universalism - whether state support should be targeted at those who need it most, or also available to the well off.

From BBC