universalists
|u-ni-ver-sal-ists|
🇺🇸
/ˌjuːnəˈvɝsəlɪsts/
🇬🇧
/ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsəlɪsts/
(universalist)
belief in universality
Etymology
'universalist' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'universalis', where 'univers-' (from 'universus') meant 'whole' or 'combined into one.'
'universalist' developed via Late Latin 'universalis' and Old French/Medieval Latin forms into Middle English (e.g. 'universall' / 'universal') and later took the agentive English suffix '-ist' to form 'universalist.'
Initially related to the idea of 'being whole or general' (applied to all), it evolved into the meaning 'a person who believes or advocates universality' — often specifically a believer in universal salvation or in universal principles.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural of 'universalist': people who hold or advocate universalism — the view that certain truths, principles, or outcomes (often salvation) apply to all people.
Many universalists argue that compassion and basic human rights should be extended to everyone, regardless of background.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/19 17:54