belief in universal applicability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "belief in universal applicability" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the idea that a certain principle, theory, or concept is valid or relevant in all situations or contexts. Example: "Her belief in universal applicability led her to advocate for policies that she thought would benefit everyone, regardless of their circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

These norms are excellent in themselves; but too absolutist and conformist a belief in their universal applicability can be very dangerous, whether in Vietnam or Iraq.

The New York Times

The early 20th-century liberal equivalent of the Bush-Blair belief in the universal applicability of the western model of democracy was the Wilsonian attachment to the sanctity of the nation state as the best way of organising polities; whether in the Balkan lands of the former Ottoman empire or its Middle Eastern territories, one size could fit all.

The Guardian - Books

A belief in universal victimhood prevails.

Independent

Member excommunicated for belief in universal salvation.

Cornell University

Objection 5: a belief in universal salvation is usually felt to undermine evangelism and mission.

Yale University

Member "rejected" for intemperance, sabbath breaking, and belief in universal salvation.

Cornell University

Nor does economic class much trouble our belief in universal attainment.

The New York Times - Magazine

The danger is where absolute belief in universal truths, religious or secular, permits no doubt.

The Guardian - Opinion

In its most philosophical form, it is a belief in natural law, and in its most advanced legal form, a belief in universal human rights.

The Guardian - Opinion

Neither accepts that Western "meddling" in their internal affairs on issues such as human rights flows from a genuine belief in universal principles.

The Economist

When faced with Abelard's arguments against material essence realism, William gave up his belief in universal essences but refused to accept that universals are simply words or concepts.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "belief in universal applicability", ensure the context clearly defines what is believed to be universally applicable. Providing specific examples strengthens the statement and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "belief in universal applicability" when the concept or principle has known limitations or exceptions. Overstating its universality can undermine credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "belief in universal applicability" functions as a noun phrase, specifically describing a conviction or faith regarding the extent to which something can be applied across various contexts. This suggests a strong endorsement of its broad relevance.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "belief in universal applicability" denotes a conviction that a specific principle or concept is valid across all contexts. While grammatically sound, its usage is infrequent. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. This phrase is best suited for formal contexts, particularly in academic, scientific, or professional writing, emphasizing broad relevance. When employing this phrase, clarity is key, and caution against overstating the universality of an idea is advised. Consider alternatives like "faith in general relevance" for conveying similar ideas with nuanced differences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

faith in general relevance

Replaces "belief" with "faith", suggesting a stronger conviction, and "universal applicability" with "general relevance", which is a broader term.

conviction in broad application

Substitutes "belief" with "conviction", implying a firmer opinion, and "universal applicability" with "broad application", making it less absolute.

acceptance of widespread relevance

Changes "belief" to "acceptance", indicating agreement rather than personal conviction, and uses "widespread relevance" for a more descriptive approach.

trust in comprehensive application

Replaces "belief" with "trust", suggesting reliance, and "universal applicability" with "comprehensive application", implying a thorough application.

confidence in overall suitability

Shifts from "belief" to "confidence", indicating assurance, and "universal applicability" to "overall suitability", which is less assertive about absolute fittingness.

reliance on global usefulness

Transforms "belief" to "reliance", indicating dependence, and "universal applicability" to "global usefulness", focusing on practical value worldwide.

presumption of general effectiveness

Changes "belief" to "presumption", implying an assumption, and "universal applicability" to "general effectiveness", which centers on effective outcomes.

assumption of widespread adoption

Replaces "belief" with "assumption", indicating a supposition, and "universal applicability" with "widespread adoption", focusing on acceptance and implementation.

hope for ubiquitous relevance

Substitutes "belief" with "hope", suggesting a desire, and "universal applicability" with "ubiquitous relevance", which is more about omnipresence.

expectation of all-encompassing application

Shifts from "belief" to "expectation", indicating anticipation, and "universal applicability" to "all-encompassing application", highlighting inclusiveness.

FAQs

What does "belief in universal applicability" mean?

It signifies the conviction that a particular principle, concept, or method is valid and effective across all situations, contexts, or domains without exception.

How can I express a similar idea to "belief in universal applicability"?

You can use alternatives like "faith in general relevance", "conviction in broad application", or "acceptance of widespread relevance" to convey slightly different nuances.

Is "belief in universal applicability" always a positive attribute?

Not necessarily. While believing in a widely applicable principle can be beneficial, rigidly adhering to it without considering context-specific factors can lead to negative outcomes.

In what fields might someone hold a "belief in universal applicability"?

This belief can be encountered in various fields, including ethics (e.g., believing in universal human rights), science (e.g., believing in universally applicable laws of physics), and management (e.g., believing in universally effective leadership strategies).