universal
Something that exists everywhere or involves everyone in the world or a particular group. It describes a concept, rule, or characteristic that is applicable to all cases without exception.
Examples
3 of 5Music is often called a universal language because it can be understood by people from all cultures.
Music is often called a universal language because it can be understood by people from all cultures.
The declaration aims to promote universal access to clean drinking water and sanitation.
The declaration aims to promote universal access to clean drinking water and sanitation.
That's a universal problem for anyone trying to lose weight during the holidays.
That's a universal problem for anyone trying to lose weight during the holidays.
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the 'Universe'. If something is universal, it is as big and all-encompassing as the entire universe itself.
Quick Quiz
The fear of the dark is a ________ human experience that crosses all cultural boundaries.
Correct!
The correct answer is: universal
Examples
Music is often called a universal language because it can be understood by people from all cultures.
everydayMusic is often called a universal language because it can be understood by people from all cultures.
The declaration aims to promote universal access to clean drinking water and sanitation.
formalThe declaration aims to promote universal access to clean drinking water and sanitation.
That's a universal problem for anyone trying to lose weight during the holidays.
informalThat's a universal problem for anyone trying to lose weight during the holidays.
Scientific theories often seek to establish universal laws that govern the behavior of matter.
academicScientific theories often seek to establish universal laws that govern the behavior of matter.
We need to find a universal solution that works across all of our international branches.
businessWe need to find a universal solution that works across all of our international branches.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
universal donor
a person with type O negative blood that can be given to anyone
universal remote
a remote control that can be programmed to operate various devices
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
a historic document outlining fundamental human rights
Often Confused With
Uniform means remaining the same in all cases, while universal means applicable or occurring everywhere.
General refers to most cases, whereas universal implies every single case without exception.
Usage Notes
The word is frequently used in discussions about human rights, mathematics, and science to indicate that a rule has no exceptions. It can also describe a product or idea that is popular with all types of people.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'universal' when 'global' or 'international' would be more appropriate for topics limited to Earth's geography; 'universal' is much broader.
Memory Tip
Think of the 'Universe'. If something is universal, it is as big and all-encompassing as the entire universe itself.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'universalis', from 'universus' meaning 'all together' or 'turned into one'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
The concept of 'Universal Human Rights' is a cornerstone of modern international diplomacy and ethics.
Quick Quiz
The fear of the dark is a ________ human experience that crosses all cultural boundaries.
Correct!
The correct answer is: universal
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
to
A1Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.
and
A1A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.
a
A1A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.
that
A1This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.
I
A1The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.
for
A1Used to show who is intended to have or use something, or to explain the purpose or reason for an action. It is also frequently used to indicate a specific duration of time.
not
A1A function word used to express negation or denial. It is primarily used to make a sentence or phrase negative, often following an auxiliary verb or the verb 'to be'.
with
A1A preposition used to indicate that people or things are together, in the same place, or performing an action together. It can also describe the instrument used to perform an action or a characteristic that someone or something has.
he
A1A pronoun used to refer to a male person or animal that has already been mentioned or is easily identified. It functions as the subject of a sentence.
you
A1Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing. It is the second-person pronoun used for both singular and plural subjects and objects.
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