universally
Americanadverb
adverb
Etymology
Origin of universally
Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at universal, -ly
Explanation
Use the adverb universally to emphasize that something is done — or felt, or believed — in every single case. If your new haircut is universally loved, it means that everyone, everywhere — with no exceptions — is a fan of your super short bangs. You might also describe getting a filling at the dentist as universally disliked, or a brilliant sunny day as universally cheering after a week of rain. The root is Latin, the word universalis, "of or belonging to all," which in turn comes from universus, "whole or entire." When a feeling or belief belongs to everyone, everywhere, it is held universally.
Vocabulary lists containing universally
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Asked why, he said that while there was no universally accepted definition of a megafire, a commonly used US benchmark classifies a wildfire as such when it burns more than 10,000 hectares.
From Barron's ● Aug. 3, 2026
The program is “almost universally believed to be broken,” said Anthony Rogers, senior fisheries economics and climate fellow at the Ocean Conservancy.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 29, 2026
New York Yankees shortstop José Caballero might be the most universally disliked player in all of baseball.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 23, 2026
The duke replied: "Exercise is universally good for helping with grief, stress, loss."
From BBC ● Jul. 11, 2026
Ptolemy recognized this flaw, but nevertheless his model was generally, although not universally, accepted.
From "A Brief History of Time: And Other Essays" by Stephen Hawking
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
