The word "universal" refers to something that is applicable or common to all cases, people, or things. It denotes something that is worldwide or general, as opposed to being limited to a specific area, group, or category. For example, universal rights are those that are acknowledged as entitlements for all human beings, regardless of nationality or other differences.
The word "universal" comes from the Latin word "universalis," which means "of the whole" or "pertaining to all." The root "uni-" means one, and "versus" is derived from "vertere," meaning to turn. Thus, it conveys the idea of encompassing all or being applicable to all.