Universal
What it means
Shared by, available to, or including everyone in the stated domain.
Reach for it when describing broad inclusion while naming the population honestly
The library introduced universal access to its digital collection.
Words to choose between 6
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| professional | |
| formal | |
| literary |
-
everyday
common
Fits when widespread occurrence is the claim
Careful Common is not universal.
-
everyday
general
Fits when broad rather than specialized application is meant
Careful General allows exceptions.
-
professional
Fits when barriers to participation are actively addressed
Careful Inclusive need not reach every person.
-
professional
worldwide
Fits when geographic reach is global
Careful Worldwide says nothing about access within each place.
-
formal
Fits when scope covers all relevant parts
Careful Comprehensive concerns coverage, not people.
-
literary
all-embracing
Fits when deliberately expansive inclusion fits
Careful The phrase is grand and can obscure exclusions.
Opposites 3
- limited
- exclusive
- particular
Common phrases 3
-
universal access
Universal access requires affordable devices as well as an open website.
-
universal principle
A claimed universal principle should be tested across cultures.
-
universal appeal
Universal appeal is a rare claim that needs broader evidence than sales.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Sylvanmoon, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated