universal

/,ju:ni'və:səl/

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The word "universal" is an adjective that means something that is applicable or relevant to everyone or everything in a particular group. It can also refer to something that works in various situations or forms. Let's break it down further:

Basic Definition:

1. Applicable to All: When something is universal, it is common to all members of a group or set. For example, a universal law or idea is one that affects everyone in the same way.

   • Example: "The play opened to universal acclaim," meaning everyone liked the play.

2. Adaptable: It can be used for different purposes or in different situations.

   • Example: "A universal wrench can adjust to fit various sizes of nuts and bolts."

Advanced Usage:

• Universal Appeal: This phrase means that something is liked or accepted by people from different backgrounds or cultures.
  • Example: "Rap enjoys universal appeal among teenage boys," meaning teenage boys from many different places like rap music.

Word Variants:

• Universality (noun): The quality of being universal.
  • Example: "The universality of certain values is evident in many cultures."
• Universally (adverb): In a way that applies to all.
  • Example: "The idea is universally accepted."

Different Meanings:

1. Mechanical Context: In mechanics, a universal joint is a part that connects two shafts and allows them to move freely in all directions.

   • Example: "The car has a universal joint that helps it drive smoothly over bumps."

2. Cultural Aspect: A human universal refers to a behavior or belief that is common across all cultures.

   • Example: "Some form of religion seems to be a human universal."

3. Logic and Linguistics: In logic, a universal proposition is a statement that applies to all members of a certain class. In linguistics, a universal feature is a grammatical rule found in all languages.

   • Example: "The idea of a noun is a linguistic universal."

Synonyms:

• General
• Common
• Global
• Widespread

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While "universal" doesn't have specific idioms or phrasal verbs associated with it, you might encounter phrases like "universal truth", which refers to a truth that is accepted by everyone regardless of culture or belief.

Usage Instructions:

When using the word "universal," think about whether you are describing something that applies to everyone, something that can be adapted for various uses, or a concept that works across cultures. Use it in contexts where inclusivity or broad applicability is important.

Example Sentences:

1. "The universal language of music brings people together." 2.

Academic

Adjective

1. adapted to various purposes, sizes, forms, operations
   • universal wrench, universal chuck
   • universal screwdriver
2. applicable to or common to all members of a group or set
   • the play opened to universal acclaim
   • rap enjoys universal appeal among teenage boys
3. of worldwide scope or applicability
   • an issue of cosmopolitan import
   • the shrewdest political and ecumenical comment of our time- Christopher Morley
   • universal experience

Noun

1. coupling that connects two rotating shafts allowing freedom of movement in all directions
   • in motor vehicles a universal joint allows the driveshaft to move up and down as the vehicle passes over bumps
2. a behavioral convention or pattern characteristic of all members of a particular culture or of all human beings
   • some form of religion seems to be a human universal
3. (logic) a proposition that asserts something of all members of a class
4. (linguistics) a grammatical rule (or other linguistic feature) that is found in all languages

Synonyms

• cosmopolitan
• ecumenical
• oecumenical
• general
• worldwide
• world-wide
• universal joint
• universal proposition
• linguistic universal