# universe

/ˈjunəˌvɝs/ (US) · /jˈuːnɪvˌɜːs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/universe
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. the cosmos

noun · CEFR B1

everything that exists, including all stars, planets, and space.

For teachers: the totality of all existing matter, energy, and space, often considered as a single entity.

- 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'

### 2. fictional world

noun · CEFR B2

the imaginary world where a story, movie, or game takes place.

For teachers: the internal world and established rules within which a work of fiction or a franchise exists.

- 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.

### 3. a specific group

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical · Academic

a whole group of people or things that are being studied or considered.

For teachers: 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

### 4. social world

noun · CEFR B2 · Literary

a particular area of life or a person's personal world.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- Scientists study how the universe began billions of years ago.
- The author spent years developing the complex history and unique languages of her fictional universe.
- While early astronomers viewed the universe as a static arrangement of celestial bodies, modern physics reveals a dynamic, expanding system governed by the laws of general relativity.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.