Definition of universal
1 : including or covering all or a whole collectively or distributively without limit or exception; especially : available equitably to all members of a society universal health coverage
2a : present or occurring everywhereb : existent or operative everywhere or under all conditions universal cultural patterns
3a : embracing a major part or the greatest portion (as of humankind) a universal state universal practicesb : comprehensively broad and versatile a universal genius
4a : affirming or denying something of all members of a class or of all values of a variableb : denoting every member of a class a universal term
5 : adapted or adjustable to meet varied requirements (as of use, shape, or size) a universal gear cutter a universal remote control
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Examples of universal in a Sentence
an idea with universal appeal
a pattern that is universal across all cultures
Origin and Etymology of universal
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin universalis, from universum universe
First Known Use: 14th century
universal
Definition of universal
1 : one that is universal: such asa : a universal proposition in logicb : a predicable of traditional logicc : a general concept or term or something in reality to which it corresponds : essence
2a : a behavior pattern or institution (such as the family) existing in all culturesb : a culture trait characteristic of all normal adult members of a particular society
15th Century
First Known Use of universal
15th century
UNIVERSAL Defined for English Language Learners
universal
playDefinition of universal for English Language Learners
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: done or experienced by everyone : existing or available for everyone
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: existing or true at all times or in all places
UNIVERSAL Defined for Kids
universal
playDefinition of universal for Students
1 : including, covering, or taking in all or everything universal medical care
2 : present or happening everywhere universal celebration
universally
adverbLaw Dictionary
universal
playLegal Definition of universal
1 in the civil law of Louisiana a : encompassing or burdening all of one's property especially causa mortis granted him a universal usufruct — see also universal legacy at legacy — compare universal title at title b : of or relating to a universal conveyance or a conveyance under a universal title a universal donee — see also universal successor
2 : not confined by limitations or exceptions : general in application
universally
adverbLearn More about universal
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See words that rhyme with universal Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for universal Spanish Central: Translation of universal Nglish: Translation of universal for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of universal for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about universal
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