Meaning of universal in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Classifying Adjective
    1. Definitions
  3. Noun
    1. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    /ˌjunəˈvərsəl/

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    UK accent

  1. Classifying Adjective

    universal

    Definitions

    1. of worldwide scope or applicability

    Examples

    • « an issue of cosmopolitan import »
    • « the shrewdest political and ecumenical comment of our time- Christopher Morley »
    • « universal experience »

    Synonyms

  2. Noun

    universal

    Definitions

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

    Examples

    • « in motor vehicles a universal joint allows the driveshaft to move up and down as the vehicle passes over bumps »

Famous quotes

  • « Every man who has shown the world the way to beauty, to true culture, has been a rebel, a 'universal' without patriotism, without home, who has found his people everywhere. »
    Chaim Potok
  • « The Disarmament Conference has become the focal point of a great struggle between anarchy and world order... between those who think in terms of inevitable armed conflict and those who seek to build a universal and durable peace. »
    Arthur Henderson
  • « Rarely do we find men who willingly engage in hard, solid thinking. There is an almost universal quest for easy answers and half-baked solutions. Nothing pains some people more than having to think. »
    Martin Luther King, Jr.
  • « The goodness of a thing created is the perfection of its fitness for the use which it serves. Now that use is either particular or universal. »
    William Ames
  • « Olympism seeks to create a way of life based on the joy found in effort, the educational value of a good example and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles. »
    Pierre de Coubertin

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