universelt

Universelt is a term used in Norwegian (and Danish) to express universality. It can function as an adjective meaning universal, as in et universelt prinsipp (a universal principle), or as an adverb meaning universally or in a universal sense, as in prinsippet er universelt gjeldende. The English equivalent is universal. The word derives from Latin universus 'whole, entire', via French universel, with cognates in other Nordic languages such as Swedish universell and Danish universel.

In Norwegian usage, universelt often appears when stressing general applicability rather than locality. The adverbial form universelt is common in contexts that assert broad or cross-cultural validity, while universell is used for characteristics described as universal in nature.

In practice, universelt is used in ethics, law, science, and public policy to indicate something that applies across cultures, contexts, or individuals, rather than to a specific case. For example, human rights are described as universelt recognized and protected; scientific principles are expected to have universelt valid application; policy frameworks may aim for universelt applicability.

Related terms include universell (the adjective form), universalisme or universalism (conceptual frameworks that advocate universal principles), and universality (the broader linguistic or philosophical notion of being universal).