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universal

adj. · n.
US //ˌjunəˈvɝsəɫ// UK //jˌuːnɪvˈɜːsəl// uni·ver·sal
  1. 1 applying to everyone (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    existing everywhere or involving everyone in the world or a specific group.

    relating to or affecting the entire world or all people within a particular group.

    Example

    The desire for a happy life is a universal human feeling.

    Example

    The committee argued that access to clean water should be recognized as a universal human right, regardless of a nation's economic status.
  2. 2 all-purpose (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    designed to be used for many different purposes or to fit many different things.

    capable of being used for various purposes or adapted to different sizes and shapes.

    Example

    I bought a universal remote that works with the TV and the DVD player.

    Example

    The technician recommended a universal mounting bracket, as it was compatible with several different monitor brands.
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  1. 3 a shared quality (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Academic Formal Philosophy

    a quality or feature that many different things have in common.

    a property or characteristic that is shared by all members of a class or group of particular things.

    Example

    Philosophers often discuss whether 'redness' is a universal that exists on its own.

    Example

    The debate centered on whether beauty is a true universal or merely a subjective experience that varies between cultures.

    Usage

    Often used in contrast with 'particulars' in philosophical logic.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a highly specialized sense; students will likely only encounter it in academic texts regarding logic or metaphysics.
Origin

From Middle English universal, from Old French universal (modern French universel), from Latin ūniversālis, equivalent to universe + -al.

Word family

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