universal agent

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Word: Universal Agent

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: A universal agent is a person who has full authority to act on behalf of another person (called the principal) in all matters or types of business. This means they can make decisions and perform actions for the principal without needing to ask for permission each time.

Usage Instructions:

• Use the term "universal agent" when discussing legal or business contexts, particularly when referring to someone who has been given a broad range of powers to act for another person.
• This term is often used in law and business, so it may not be common in everyday conversation.

Example:

• "The lawyer acted as a universal agent for his client, handling all legal matters without needing to check in for every decision."

Advanced Usage:

• In legal documents, you might see phrases like "granting power of attorney" which can relate to the role of a universal agent.
• A universal agent can also represent the principal in negotiations, contracts, and other business transactions.

Word Variants:

• Agent: A person who acts on behalf of another.
• Principal: The person who authorizes the agent to act on their behalf.

Different Meanings:

• While "universal agent" specifically refers to someone with broad authority in business, the word "agent" alone can refer to someone representing another in a narrower sense (like a real estate agent).

Synonyms:

• Representative
• Proxy
• Delegate
• Attorney-in-fact

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• Power of Attorney: A legal document that gives someone the authority to act on another's behalf, similar to a universal agent.
• Act on behalf of: To do something as a representative of someone else.

Summary:

Understanding the term "universal agent" is important in legal and business discussions. It refers to someone who can handle all kinds of business for another person.

Academic

Noun

1. someone authorized to transact every kind of business for the principal

Synonyms

• general agent