In a way that applies to all cases or situations without exception; by everyone or in every instance. Describes something that is true, accepted, or experienced across all contexts or cultures.
From Latin 'universalis' meaning 'of or belonging to all,' from 'universus' (whole, entire) composed of 'uni-' (one) + 'versus' (turned). The concept of universality became central to Enlightenment philosophy and modern human rights thinking.
The quest for universal truths drives both science and philosophy - from universal laws of physics to universal human rights. Yet the word itself contains a paradox: in our diverse world, perhaps the only universal truth is that very few things are actually universal, making genuine universals all the more precious and significant.
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