What does "universal" mean?
A characteristic or property that particular things have in common.
Universal
/ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsl̩/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Very common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A characteristic or property that particular things have in common.
- Grammar: universal is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: general, absolute, absolute idealism, abstract principle.
- Useful contrasts: censitary, conditional, nonuniversal.
- Usage evidence: English is a universal language and is used all over the world.
How to use "universal"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "universal" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "universal" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "universal" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "universal" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "universal" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "general" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "universal", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A characteristic or property that particular things have in common.
"When we examine common words, we find that, broadly speaking, proper names stand for particulars, while other substantives, adjectives, prepositions, and verbs stand for universals."
- 2 coupling that connects two rotating shafts allowing freedom of movement in all directions wordnet
- 3 a behavioral convention or pattern characteristic of all members of a particular culture or of all human beings wordnet
- 4 (logic) a proposition that asserts something of all members of a class wordnet
- 5 (linguistics) a grammatical rule (or other linguistic feature) that is found in all languages wordnet
Adjective
- 1 Of or pertaining to the universe.
- 2 Common to all members of a group or class.
"In Logic, the letter A is used as a symbol for the universal affirmative proposition in the general form "all x is y.""
- 3 Common to all society; worldwide.
"She achieved universal fame."
- 4 Unlimited; vast; infinite.
- 5 Useful for many purposes; all-purpose.
"universal wrench"
Adjective
- 1 of worldwide scope or applicability wordnet
- 2 adapted to various purposes, sizes, forms, operations wordnet
- 3 applicable to or common to all members of a group or set wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"English is a universal language and is used all over the world."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "universal"?
Common synonyms include: general, absolute, absolute idealism, abstract principle, accelerator, accessible to all.
How do you use "universal" in a sentence?
English is a universal language and is used all over the world.
How do you pronounce "universal"?
Pronounced /ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsl̩/.
Etymology
From Middle English universal, from Old French universal (modern French universel), from Latin ūniversālis, equivalent to universe + -al.