universal

u·ni·ver·sal

adjective

The definition of universal is relating to or affecting all.

An example of universal used as an adjective is a universal curfew for a town which means that all members of that town must be home by a certain time.

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"universal." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 15 January 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/Universal>.

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universal. (n.d.). Retrieved January 15th, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/Universal

universal

of the universe; present or occurring everywhere or in all things
of, for, affecting, or including all or the whole of something specified; not limited or restricted
Obs. being, or regarded as, a complete whole; entire; whole
broad in knowledge, interests, ability, etc.
that can be used for a great many or all kinds, forms, sizes, etc.; highly adaptable: a universal voltage regulator
used, intended to be used, or understood by all
Logic predicating something of every member of a class: “all men are mortal” is a universal proposition

Origin of universal

Middle English universel from Old French from Classical Latin universalis from universus: see universe

universal joint
Logic
1. a universal proposition
2. predicable (noun)
Philos. a general term or concept, or that to which such a term or concept applies

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Link to this page

Cite this page

MLA Style

"universal." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 15 January 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/Universal>.

APA Style

universal. (n.d.). Retrieved January 15th, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/Universal

universal

adjective

Of, relating to, or affecting the entire universe: the universal laws of physics.
Including, relating to, or affecting all members of the class or group under consideration; applicable in all cases: universal vaccination; universal suffrage. See Synonyms at general.
Done, produced, or shared by all members of the class or group under consideration: a discovery that met with universal acclaim.
Adapted or adjustable to many sizes, uses, or devices: a universal remote control.
Logic Encompassing all of the members of a class or group. Used of a proposition.

noun

Logic
a. A universal proposition.
b. A general or abstract concept or term considered absolute or axiomatic.
A general or widely held principle, concept, or notion.
A trait or pattern of behavior characteristic of all the members of a particular culture or of all humans.

Related Forms:

u′ni·ver′sal·ly
adverb

u′ni·ver′sal·ness
noun

THE AMERICAN HERITAGE® DICTIONARY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE, FIFTH EDITION by the Editors of the American Heritage Dictionaries. Copyright © 2016, 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.