Words / B2

yoon-i-VURSL/ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsl/

Universal means for everyone or true in every case: universal credit; a universal right; almost universal agreement. General is weaker; global is about the world. Universe is the noun for space. Do not claim a small sample is universal. UK policy: Universal Credit (capitalised as the benefit name).

Meaning

True or available for everyone, or in every case.

Examples

• “Universal credit rules were tightened in the spring statement.”
• “There is no universal definition of the term in the papers.”

Good to know

universal + noun; almost universal. Weaker: general. World: global. Space: universe. UK benefit: Universal Credit. Do not over-claim from a sample.

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