Definitions
01the cosmos
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Science
n. everything that exists, including all stars, planets, and space.
n. the totality of all existing matter, energy, and space, often considered as a single entity.
日本語:宇宙※
“Scientists are still trying to find out how large the universe actually is.”
“Modern cosmology suggests that the universe has been expanding at an accelerating rate since the Big Bang.”
Usage
usually used with the definite article 'the'
02fictional world
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Theater
n. the imaginary world where a story, movie, or game takes place.
n. the internal world and established rules within which a work of fiction or a franchise exists.
日本語:世界観※
“Fans love the complex history of the Star Wars universe.”
“The author spent years developing the linguistic and historical background of his fantasy universe to ensure internal consistency across the trilogy.”
03a specific group
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Statistics Technical · Academic
n. a whole group of people or things that are being studied or considered.
n. the entire set of items or individuals from which a sample is drawn or to which a study applies.
“The survey was sent to the entire universe of registered voters in the city.”
“In this statistical model, the universe of discourse is limited to adult residents who have lived in the region for over five years.”
Usage
often followed by 'of' and a noun phrase
Synonyms
Antonyms
04social world
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Literary
n. a particular area of life or a person's personal world.
n. a distinct sphere of activity, experience, or social setting.
“The two brothers lived in completely different social universes.”
“To the young artist, the universe of high-fashion galleries felt both intimidating and profoundly shallow.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “universe” in context.
Verb
01. explore the universe
“Modern telescopes allow astronomers to explore the universe in greater detail than ever before.”
verb + noun
02. understand the universe
“Physicists are constantly developing new theories to help us understand the universe.”
verb + noun
Adjective
03. observable universe
“There are billions of galaxies located within the observable universe.”
adj + noun
04. parallel universe
“The movie explores the idea of a character traveling to a parallel universe where history took a different path.”
adj + noun
05. vast universe
“It is hard to comprehend our place within such a vast universe.”
adj + noun
Noun
06. expansion of the universe
“Scientists discovered that the expansion of the universe is actually accelerating.”
noun + of + noun
07. origin of the universe
“The Big Bang theory provides an explanation for the origin of the universe.”
noun + of + noun
Preposition
08. throughout the universe
“Laws of physics are believed to be consistent throughout the universe.”
prep + noun
Real-World Examples
“It is thought to have formed 660m years after the big bang, astronomers’ leading theory as to how the universe began.” “Some black holes roaming the Universe today may actually be older than the Big Bang.” “Given the size and age of the universe, it should be full of species with technology far more advanced than our own.” Etymology
From Middle English universe, from Old French univers, from Latin universum (“all things, as a whole, the universe”), neuter of universus (“all together, whole, entire, collective, general, literally turned or combined into one”), from uni-, combining form of unus (“one”) + versus (“turned”), perfect passive participle of vertō (“to turn”). Analyzable as uni- + -verse through backformation of -verse.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Idioms
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/universe
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「日本語」「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0