universalize

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "universalize" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of making something applicable or relevant to all people or situations. Example: "The goal of the project is to universalize access to education for children around the world." Alternatives include "generalize" or "broaden."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

It has long been noted by commentators that mathematical proofs work with a particular case through universal instantiation (ekthesis) and then universalize to the general claim, and that not all propositions have the form: A is said of B, e.g., Elements 1 1, "To construct an equilateral triangle on a given line".

SEP

If the complaint about "Bloodlands" was that Snyder made the Holocaust a local event, this book is meant to universalize it again, with the understanding that what is universal in human experience is what is local and political.

The New Yorker

There was a tendency to universalize certain particularist statements of the Hebrew: in Amos 9 11 fol. the prophecy that David's dynasty will repossess the residue of Edom becomes a promise that the residue of men (the Gentiles) will seek the true God a promise that is quoted in the New Testament as a "testimony" to the Christian Gentile mission.

Encyclopedia Britannica

All public education was made free, and strong efforts were made to universalize primary education, to upgrade technical and vocational education, and to improve the quality of education generally.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Narrative commentary accompanying the dances often interprets a specific action in its broad context, thus helping to universalize the theatrical experience.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Above all, his poetry is characterized by love of humanity, contempt for hypocrisy and mediocrity, and an ability to universalize everyday experience and to relate it to the mystic's unending search for union with God.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

It separates the message from the author and from the context in which it was written, thereby "decontextualizing," or universalizing the meaning of, language.

Encyclopedia Britannica

From 1947 to 1950 the reactions of Washington and Moscow to the perceived threats of the other solidified the division of Europe and much of the world into two blocs, and the Cold War became universalized, institutionalized, and militarized.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Under the leadership of Pope (later Saint John XXIIII and the Second Vatican Council, the Roman Catholic Church accepted the legitimacy of Judaism as a continuing religion and exonerated Jews for the murder of Jesus Christ by universalizing responsibility for his Crucifixion.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Against the champions of determinism, Kant insisted on the autonomous capacities of the human will: by universalizing one's maxims (or reasons) for action in accordance with the categorical imperative Act only according to that maxim by which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law"—one acts freely, or autonomously.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He asked for $400,000,000 in aid specifically for Greece and Turkey, but the Truman Doctrine thus propounded universalized the American commitment to contain the spread of Communism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "universalize" when you want to emphasize making something applicable to everyone or every situation. Consider whether a more specific term like "standardize" or "generalize" might be more appropriate depending on the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "universalize" when the concept truly only applies to a limited context. Ensure that the claim being made is genuinely applicable across a wide range of situations, not just a specific subset.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "universalize" is as a transitive verb. It describes the action of making something applicable or relevant to all cases or to the entirety of something. Ludwig provides examples of its usage in diverse contexts, confirming its active role in conveying this transformation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "universalize" functions as a transitive verb, denoting the action of making something applicable or relevant to all. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct. It's commonly used across diverse fields such as science, news, and encyclopedias. While not as frequent in informal contexts, "universalize" serves a vital role in expressing the expansion of scope or applicability. Remember to consider related terms like "generalize" or "standardize" for nuanced contexts, and avoid overgeneralization when employing "universalize" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Make universal

A more literal and direct way of expressing the same concept.

Generalize

Implies extending from specific instances to a broader rule or principle.

Standardize

Focuses on making things uniform or consistent across different instances.

Homogenize

Suggests making things similar or uniform, often implying a loss of individual characteristics.

Globalize

Specifically refers to extending something to a worldwide scale.

Normalize

Implies bringing something into a state of normalcy or commonality.

Extend

Implies broadening the reach or scope of something.

Systematize

Focuses on establishing a systematic approach to make something consistent.

Broaden

Indicates making something wider in range or application.

Widen

Similar to 'broaden', but can also refer to physical dimensions.

FAQs

How do you use "universalize" in a sentence?

You can use "universalize" to describe the act of making something applicable or accessible to everyone, as in, "The company aims to "universalize its services" to reach a broader audience."

What are some synonyms for "universalize"?

Alternatives to "universalize" include "generalize", "standardize", or "globalize" depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "universalize" something?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to use "universalize" as a verb to describe the action of making something universal or applicable to all.

What is the difference between "universalize" and "normalize"?

"Universalize" means to make something apply to everyone or everything, while "normalize" means to bring something into a state of being considered normal or standard. The two are semantically related but have different meanings.