universal
yoo-ni-VUR-suhl
/ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːrsl/
Relating to or done by all people or things in the world or in a particular group; applicable to all cases.
In health, 'universal' means that every single person is covered, regardless of their ability to pay.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'universalis', from 'universus' (all together). It literally means 'turned into one'. It suggests that many different things have been combined into a single, all-encompassing whole.
Word relationships
- comprehensive: Comprehensive means covering everything; universal means covering everyone.
- ubiquitous: Ubiquitous means found everywhere; universal means applying to everything.
- selective: Selective means only choosing some, the opposite of including everyone.
- particular: Relating to a single person or thing rather than the whole.
Commonly confused with
- general: General means 'most'; universal means 'all'.
Word family
- universe (noun): all existing matter and space considered as a whole.
- universality (noun): the quality of involving or being shared by all people or things in the world.
Collocations
- universal healthcare
- universal access
- universal truth
- universal appeal
Example sentences
- "Universal health coverage means that all people have access to the health services they need without suffering financial hardship." Global health goal
- "The desire for a healthy life is a universal human trait." Human rights
Memory hook
Uni (one) + Verse (world). One world, one rule for everyone. One for all.
When not to use
Don't use it if there are exceptions; 'universal' means 100%.
Fun facts
- Universal donor (Type O- blood) can give blood to anyone, regardless of their blood type.
Related words
Explore more words
universalism, inclusive, absolutism, universe, utilitarian, ubiquitous
Also appears in
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