Spanish word

universal

Pronunciation

IPA/uniβeɾˈsal/

Meaning

  • adjectiveuniversal

Example

Este derecho es universal.

This right is universal.

Illustration for universal (universal)

More examples

La lengua puede ser una herramienta universal de comunicación.

Language can be a universal tool for communication.

Core concept

A quality or claim that applies across many different situations.

Common phrases

  • principio universal

    universal principle

  • valor universal

    universal value

  • lenguaje universal

    universal language

Similar words

común: Occurs often in everyday life or among many people.
general: Applies broadly across a wide range of situations rather than a single case.
frecuente: Happens frequently or repeatedly in observed situations.
habitual: Occurs regularly as a customary, repeated behavior.

Definition in Spanish

Que es válido o se aplica de forma general en muchos contextos o para la mayoría de las personas.

Word origin

From Latin universalis, from universus 'whole', meaning 'belonging to the whole' and therefore denoting what applies broadly.

Usage tips

  • In conversation, es universal often sounds formal or abstract, and speakers commonly use a more specific phrase such as es común or add a concrete example.

Other meanings

  • general-purposeadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • universalidaduniversalitynoun
  • universalmenteuniversallyadverb
  • universalizaruniversalizeverb

Word lists with this word