universality

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "universality" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing concepts, principles, or ideas that apply broadly or universally across different contexts or situations. Example: "The universality of human rights is a fundamental principle that transcends cultural and national boundaries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Singaporean scholars say one of the main difficulties with the United States is the "universality" of its belief system the idea that there are universal values such as human rights.

The Economist

As a young twentysomething I was drawn to its all-consuming intensity, its fevered portrayal of love, loss and rage, as well as the androgenity of the narrator which gave it a timeless universality.

The Guardian - Books

It seems that among the false rhetoric surrounding health tourism, politicians have forgotten that universality is one of the founding principles of the NHS".

The Guardian

Instead of trying to get his personality across by deploying a succession of meaningless generalisms, Ed Miliband has found universality in charming specifics.

The Guardian

And while not all of Rubens's artistic heirs liked his work, most acknowledged his sheer, bursting talent, imagination and universality.

The Economist

Mr Hu grimly gripped his lectern as Mr Obama delivered a statement in which he spoke of the universality of America's human-rights values.

The Economist

"The world should be a colourful one," Mr Jiang insisted.Mrs Robinson, however, suggested that for the new co-operative venture to succeed, China must drop its love of moral relativism and instead accept "the universality" of international standards.

The Economist

But, over the hundreds of thousands of years mankind has used fire routinely, it is easy to believe, as Dr Wiessner does, that natural selection would have hard-wired the division into the brain, and that the rule's universality is thus truly part of human nature.

The Economist

But if any country cites "public morals" as a reason to limit freedom, the EU document states, it must do so with reference to more than one philosophical or religious tradition, and with due regard for "the universality of human rights".The document also sets out very precise ideas on how to negotiate the fine line between hate speech and freedom of expression.

The Economist

And there is yet another difficulty: the perception in Asia that America's faith in the universality of its ideals of freedom and democracy has weakened.American leaders used to raise the issues of human rights and democracy in Asia at almost every opportunity, especially where China was concerned, but also in Indonesia, Myanmar, Vietnam and elsewhere.

The Economist

As divergent forces tug at the internet, it is in danger of losing its universality and splintering into separate digital domains.The internet is as much a trade pact as an invention.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "universality" to highlight the broad applicability of a scientific law or theory across diverse conditions and contexts.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a trend or belief is universal without sufficient evidence. Recognize cultural and individual differences that may limit the applicability of a concept.

Linguistic Context

The word "universality" functions primarily as a noun. It denotes the quality or state of being universal, meaning applicable or common to all things or members of a class. As per Ludwig AI, this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "universality" functions as a noun denoting a state of being applicable to all. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It is commonly found in formal writing, particularly in news, scientific, and business contexts, to emphasize the all-encompassing nature of a concept or principle. When using "universality", it's essential to avoid overgeneralization and to provide adequate evidence to support claims of broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

global applicability

Focuses on the practical application of something on a global scale, highlighting its widespread usability.

widespread relevance

Emphasizes the broad significance and importance of something across different contexts.

general applicability

Highlights the ability of something to be applied in a wide range of situations or cases.

broad scope

Indicates the extensive range and reach of something, covering a large area or variety of subjects.

catholicity

Implies a wide-ranging acceptance or understanding, often in a religious or philosophical context.

comprehensiveness

Stresses the thoroughness and completeness of something, covering all aspects or elements.

all-inclusiveness

Highlights the property of including everyone or everything, without exception.

across-the-board nature

Indicates that something applies equally to all members of a group or categories.

worldwide presence

Focuses on the global existence and recognition of something.

global reach

Emphasizes the ability of something to affect or influence people around the world.

FAQs

How is "universality" used in academic writing?

In academic writing, "universality" often refers to the broad applicability of a theory, principle, or concept across various contexts or populations. It's crucial to support claims of universality with robust evidence and acknowledge potential limitations.

What are some synonyms for "universality"?

Alternatives to "universality" include "global applicability", "widespread relevance", and "general applicability". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it accurate to claim complete "universality" for cultural values?

Claiming complete "universality" for cultural values is often problematic due to cultural diversity and varying societal norms. While some values may be widely shared, it's essential to acknowledge cultural relativism and avoid making sweeping generalizations.

What is the difference between "universality" and "commonality"?

"Universality" implies that something applies to all cases without exception, while "commonality" suggests that something is shared by many, but not necessarily all. "Universality" is a stronger claim than "commonality".