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. See particular
    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. See universal joint
   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

This trend has been encouraged by the emergence of the universal owner.

From Time

Autistics may want less social interaction than others—although this is by no means universal among us — but less is a far cry from none.

From Washington Post

Some of the biggest economic debates of our time focus on automation, the threat of robots replacing workers and whether societies should introduce a universal basic income.

From Ozy

For example, many advocacy organizations are currently pushing for the USDA to permanently offer universal school meals instead of requiring eligible families to apply.

From Eater

The proposal would have allowed for a universal DH for the second straight year, as opposed to having the position only in the American League, as was the case from 1973 through 2019.

From Washington Post

Was there something linked to something a little more universal as far as experiences are concerned?

From The Daily Beast

“I care about what the universal sense of the film is,” she says.

From The Daily Beast

The courage of this husband and father is a constant reminder of how much some sacrifice for exercising universal rights.

From The Daily Beast

And this song is just absolute genius and totally universal.

From The Daily Beast

Most people know the Universal Life Church as a quick and easy place to get ordained without leaving your couch.

From The Daily Beast

The Vine is a universal favorite, and rarely out of view; while it often seems to cover half the ground in sight.

From Project Gutenberg

“Well, mistakes is humant,” sighed Sol, taking advantage of that universal absolution.

From Project Gutenberg

The universal ignorance of the working class broke down the aspiring force of genius.

From Project Gutenberg

It stands very much in the way of that universal adult education which is our present concern.

From Project Gutenberg

Wheat gives place to Rye about the same time, and the Potato, at first comparatively rare, becomes universal.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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