What does universality mean?
Universality is the quality of being valid, applicable, or recognizable throughout a whole class of people, things, or circumstances. It is used when discussing principles or experiences considered to have relevance beyond any single individual or culture, as in claims about the universality of human nature, love, suffering, or emotion. The word may suggest that something is fundamental or universal rather than merely common or frequently observed. In philosophy and related contexts, it can refer to the idea that a principle or standard holds without exception. Universality is not synonymous with popularity: something can have universal appeal without being equally popular everywhere, and it can be valid universally without being familiar. The term is typically formal and abstract, making it especially useful in academic, philosophical, literary, and analytical discussion. Its emphasis on breadth and general applicability also distinguishes it from a claim that is merely widespread or occasionally encountered.
nounThe quality or state of being universal, especially of applying to all people, things, or circumstances. It can also refer to something that is regarded as valid or applicable without exception.
- The quality of applying generally or without exception, especially to all people, beings, circumstances, or instances of something.
- The philosophical state or scope of being valid or applicable universally.
"The universality of human experience is a recurring theme in literature."
"The universality of human nature has been debated by writers and philosophers for centuries."
"The claim gives up the universality of scientific law and accepts that truth may depend on perspective."
Rare. Universality is normally used as a mass noun, so a plural is needed only when distinct instances or types of universality are being counted.
"The study compared several claimed universalities in human language."
Universality turns one human experience into a mirror of all human experience.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does universality come from?
Universality dates from the early 17th century and was formed from universal with the suffix -ity. Universal comes through Old French from Latin universalis, meaning “of or relating to the whole universe” or “general.” The same Latin family also produced universe and universalism, which share the concept of something encompassing the whole.
How universality is actually used
The word is formal and intellectually inclined. It often suggests that a principle, experience, or feature extends beyond one culture, individual, or context, but it can also be used more neutrally to mean that something applies generally.
Easily confused with universality
Universality describes the general applicability of something, whereas universalism is a doctrine or outlook holding that certain principles or values apply universally.