French word

universel

Pronunciation

IPA/ynivɛʁsɛl/

Meaning

  • adjectiveuniversal

Example

La vérité est universelle.

The truth is universal.

Illustration for universel (universal)

More examples

Il n'existe pas de solution universelle à ce problème.

There is no universal solution to this problem.

Core concept

A single pattern that reaches every part of a complete world.

Common phrases

  • solution universelle

    universal solution

  • idée universelle

    universal idea

Similar words

général: Relevant to many cases or a wide range of situations.
global: Concerned with an entire system or the world as a whole.
commun: Held or experienced by multiple people or things.

Definition in French

Qui s'applique à tous les individus, lieux ou moments sans distinction.

Word origin

Universel is formed from Latin universus, meaning 'whole' or 'entire', with the adjective-forming suffix -alis, then developed into French.

Usage tips

  • In everyday speech, pour tout le monde often sounds more natural than the relatively formal universel for people.

Opposites

Related words

  • universalismeuniversalismnoun
  • universellementuniversallyadverb
  • universaliseruniversalizeverb

Word lists with this word