Basic Details
Word: Universal
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Done by, found in or true for everyone or everything, everywhere.
Synonyms: general, worldwide, global
Antonyms: local, limited, partial
How to Spell Universal
Syllables: u - ni - ver - sal
Tricky part: The e at the end of universe goes when al is added, and the middle is ver, not var or vur.
Watch out for: universel, univarsal, univursal
Memory tip: Write universe, then trade its final e for al: univers(e) + al. The uni at the start means one, as in uniform and unicorn.
Usage Examples
Example 1: A smile is a universal sign of friendliness.
Example 2: Our city aims for universal access to clean drinking water.
Example 3: Cricket is not universal, but in India it comes close.
Fun Fact
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations on 10 December 1948, and that date is marked every year as Human Rights Day.
Practise the CREST Way
Word Connection
Choose the antonym of the word universal as it is used in the sentence:
The plan to build a new playground had universal support from the members of the school council.
a) general
b) total
c) complete
d) partial
Show answer
d) partial. Total, complete and general all mean everyone agreed; partial support comes from only some.
Mingle-Mangle
Unjumble the letters in the sentence to form a meaningful word:
Music is often called a nasierlvu language that people everywhere can understand.
a) unravel
b) university
c) universal
d) universe
Show answer
c) universal. University and universe have no a, and unravel has no s or i, so universal is left.
Word Cookie
Insert the correct pair of letters to complete the word:
un_v_rsal
a) e, i
b) e, e
c) i, e
d) i, a
Show answer
c) i, e. The word grows out of universe, which keeps its i and e.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. A universal remote control is one that ____.
a) needs no batteries
b) has only one button
c) is made of rubber
d) works with many devices
Show answer
d) works with many devices
2. Which phrase means much the same as universal?
a) liked by none
b) found in one place
c) shared by all
d) known to few
Show answer
c) shared by all
