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Definition of Universal in English :

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Universal meaning in English

Meaning of Universal in English

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Universal

see synonyms of universal

Noun

1. linguistic universal, universal

(linguistics) a grammatical rule (or other linguistic feature) that is found in all languages

2. universal, universal proposition

(logic) a proposition that asserts something of all members of a class

3. universal

a behavioral convention or pattern characteristic of all members of a particular culture or of all human beings

Example Sentences:
'some form of religion seems to be a human universal'

4. universal, universal joint

coupling that connects two rotating shafts allowing freedom of movement in all directions

Example Sentences:
'in motor vehicles a universal joint allows the driveshaft to move up and down as the vehicle passes over bumps'

Adjective

5. cosmopolitan, ecumenical, general, oecumenical, universal, world-wide, worldwide

of worldwide scope or applicability

Example Sentences:
'an issue of cosmopolitan import'
'the shrewdest political and ecumenical comment of our time'
'universal experience'

6. universal

applicable to or common to all members of a group or set

Example Sentences:
'the play opened to universal acclaim'
'rap enjoys universal appeal among teenage boys'

7. universal

adapted to various purposes, sizes, forms, operations

Example Sentences:
'universal wrench'
'universal chuck'
'universal screwdriver'

WordNet Lexical Database for English. Princeton University. 2010.

Universal

see synonyms of universal
adjective
1. 
of, relating to, or typical of the whole of humankind or of nature
2. 
common to, involving, or proceeding from all in a particular group
3. 
applicable to or affecting many individuals, conditions, or cases; general
4. 
existing or prevailing everywhere
5. 
applicable or occurring throughout or relating to the universe; cosmic
a universal constant
6. 
(esp of a language) capable of being used and understood by all
7. 
embracing or versed in many fields of knowledge, activity, interest, etc
8. machinery
designed or adapted for a range of sizes, fittings, or uses
9. linguistics
(of a constraint in a formal grammar) common to the grammatical description of all human languages, actual or possible
10. logic
(of a statement or proposition) affirming or denying something about every member of a class, as in all men are wicked
Compare particular (sense 6)
noun
11. philosophy
a. 
a general term or concept or the type such a term signifies
b. 
a metaphysical entity taken to be the reference of a general term, as distinct from the class of individuals it describes
See also realism (sense 5)
c. 
a Platonic Idea or Aristotelian form
12. logic
a. 
a universal proposition, statement, or formula
b. 
a universal quantifier
13. 
a characteristic common to every member of a particular culture or to every human being
14.  short for universal joint

Collins English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers

Universal

see synonyms of universal
adjective
1. 
of the universe; present or occurring everywhere or in all things
2. 
of, for, affecting, or including all or the whole of something specified; not limited or restricted
3.  Obsolete
being, or regarded as, a complete whole; entire; whole
4. 
broad in knowledge, interests, ability, etc.
5. 
that can be used for a great many or all kinds, forms, sizes, etc.; highly adaptable
a universal voltage regulator
6. 
used, intended to be used, or understood by all
7.  Logic
not restricted or particular in application; predicating something of every member of a specified class
noun
8. 
universal joint
9.  Logic
a. 
a universal proposition
b. 
predicable (sense 3)
c. 
a general term or concept, or that which such a term or concept covers
10.  Philosophy
a metaphysical entity characterized by repeatability and unchanging nature through a series of changing relations, as substance

Webster’s New World College Dictionary, 4th Edition. Copyright © 2010 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. All rights reserved.

Universal

see synonyms of universal
adj.
1. Of, relating to, or affecting the entire universe: the universal laws of physics.
2. 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.
3. Done, produced, or shared by all members of the class or group under consideration: a discovery that met with universal acclaim.
4. Adapted or adjustable to many sizes, uses, or devices: a universal remote control.
5. Logic Encompassing all of the members of a class or group. Used of a proposition.
n.
1. Logic
a. A universal proposition.
b. A general or abstract concept or term considered absolute or axiomatic.
2. A general or widely held principle, concept, or notion.
3. A trait or pattern of behavior characteristic of all the members of a particular culture or of all humans.

The American Heritage ® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2018 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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