B2adjective1K

Universal

UK /["/ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsl/"]/US /["/ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːrsl/"]/

Definition

done by or involving all the people in the world or in a particular group

In simple words: Something that relates to everything or everyone.

Examples

Such problems are a universal feature of old age.
Agreement on this issue is almost universal.
**universal suffrage** *(= the right of all the people in a country to vote)*
There was universal disgust at what he had done.
The increase in crime has been a universal phenomenon.
These practices remain universal among the islanders.
The party wanted to introduce a universal healthcare system.
A representative assembly is a near universal feature of modern democracies.
universal facts about human nature

Usage notes

Use 'universal' to describe principles or ideas that apply in all cases. It can sound overly formal in casual conversations, so use it appropriately.

Grammar pattern

universal + noun

Memory hint

Think of 'universe' — something that includes everything, like 'universal'.

Collocations

be
seem
become
truly
by no means
far from
among
in
be
seem
become
truly
by no means
far from
among
in

Synonyms

general
common
all-encompassing
worldwide
global

Antonyms

specific
limited
particular

Common mistakes

Confused with 'uniqueness' meaning something special.
Using 'universally' when 'widely' is more appropriate.
Forgetting the correct form like 'universal laws' instead of 'the universal laws'.