universality

noun uni·ver·sal·i·ty \ ˌyü-nə-(ˌ)vər-ˈsa-lə-tē \

|Updated on: 9 Jun 2018

Definition of universality

1 : the quality or state of being universal

2 : universal comprehensiveness in range

Recent Examples of universality from the Web

Many of Whitman's wonderful lines flow freely through this script, and their universality brings the two together.

— special to the oregonian, OregonLive.com, "Walt Whitman poem brings two teens together in witty, insightful 'I and You'," 31 May 2018
The word consciousness is this idea of the relationship between the physical and the metaphysical and that idea of attaining some kind of sense of oneness and universality or bliss through meditation and devotion.

— audrey gorden, RedEye Chicago, "Thurston Moore talks consciousness, activism and 'Gilmore Girls' ahead of his Pitchfork performance," 13 July 2017
And that universality is the saving grace of this Fringe show.

— matthew j. palm, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Review: Dammit, Jim! I'm a Comedienne, Not a Doctor - Fringe 2018," 14 May 2018
This is not in line with the EBU's values of universality and inclusivity and our proud tradition of celebrating diversity through music.

— allie gemmill, Teen Vogue, "Eurovision Has Blocked China From Watching This Year's Contest," 11 May 2018
Sternberg’s leap from exclusivity to universality makes more sense when compared to the clothing brands that have emerged out of San Francisco and Silicon Valley over the past few years, funded by technology venture capital.

— kyle chayka, The New Republic, "How Tech Is Remaking Fashion in Its Image," 9 May 2018
But in pop, there is less correlation than ever before between size of audience and universality of approach.

— jon caramanica, New York Times, "Review: In a Big Room, Lorde Protects the Small Moments," 5 Apr. 2018
But the play’s potent conflict explores much deeper themes of authorship: who owns ideas, who has the right to what stories, which side more deserves telling, and whether a universality of narrative transcends the racial origins of its writer(s).

— jim rutter, Philly.com, "'Mrs. Harrison' at the Azuka Theatre: Power and promise, here, now, everywhere," 9 May 2018
This hints at music’s universality and power to affect us.

— markham heid, Time, "You Asked: Is Listening to Music Good For Your Health?," 26 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'universality.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.