Universal

Definition

Universal refers to something that is applicable or common to all purposes, conditions, or situations.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌjuːnɪˈvɜrsəl/
• Respelling: YOO-ni-VER-suhl (with "YOO" as in "you," "ni" as in "knee," "VER" as in "verse," and "suhl" as in "circle")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsəl/
• Respelling: YOO-ni-VER-suhl (similar to American English, with "YOO" as in "you," "ni" as in "knee," "VER" as in "verse," and "suhl" like in "circle")

In both dialects, "universal" is pronounced with the primary stress on the third syllable ("VER"). The word starts with "YOO," followed by "ni," then "VER-suhl," with each part pronounced similarly in both American and British English. The primary difference might be in the subtle nuances of the vowel sound in the "VER" syllable, which can be slightly longer in British English.

Etymology

The word "universal" originates from the Old French "universel", which is derived from the Latin word "universalis", from "universus" meaning "all together", which in turn is from "uni-" meaning "one" + "versus", past participle of "vertere" meaning "to turn".

Derivatives

• Universality
• Universalize
• Universalism
• Universalist
• Universally

Synonyms

• General
• Omnipresent
• All-encompassing

Antonyms

• Specific
• Limited
• Exclusive

Usage

• "The desire for peace is universal among all people."
• "Gravity is a universal force that affects everything with mass."

Related Terms

• Universe
• Totality
• Omnipresence
• Generality
• All-embracing

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• All-encompassing: Relating to or done by all people or things in the world or in a particular group; applicable to all cases.
• Example: Universal human rights are a fundamental aspect of our global community.

• Present Everywhere: Existing or available everywhere.
• Example: The concept of love seems to be a universal phenomenon across cultures.

• General or Versatile: Affecting or done by every person or thing in a domain.
• Example: The universal adapter works in various countries, accommodating different plug shapes.

Noun

• General Concept or Situation: A term or concept that is common to the whole of a particular domain.
• Example: The philosopher spoke about the universals of human existence.