What does "universally" mean?

1. (by everyone) by everyone in the world or by everyone in a specific group. 2. (in all cases) in every situation or for every person, without any exceptions.

How do you use "universally"?

Often used to modify adjectives like 'accepted', 'recognised', or 'loved' to show total agreement. Frequently appears in academic or philosophical contexts when discussing laws or principles.

universally

adv.

US //ˌjunəˈvɝsəɫi// UK //jˌuːnɪvˈɜːsəli// uni·ver·sal·ly

1 by everyone (adv.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

by everyone in the world or by everyone in a specific group.

by all people or in all cases; indicating a consensus or a global application.

Example

The film was universally loved by both children and adults.

Example

The theory was universally accepted by the scientific community after the results were replicated in several independent laboratories.

Usage

Often used to modify adjectives like 'accepted', 'recognised', or 'loved' to show total agreement.
2 in all cases (adv.)
C1 Advanced Academic

in every situation or for every person, without any exceptions.

in a manner that applies to all members of a class or to the whole of a system.

Example

These rules do not apply universally to every single business.

Example

Philosophers have long debated whether certain moral principles can be applied universally across different cultures and historical eras.

Usage

Frequently appears in academic or philosophical contexts when discussing laws or principles.
- invariably
- always
- specifically
- individually

Origin

From Middle English universally; equivalent to universal + -ly.