'universal' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'universalis,' where 'uni-' meant 'one' and 'versus' meant 'turned.'

'universalis' transformed into the Old French word 'universel,' and eventually became the modern English word 'universal' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'pertaining to the whole,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'applicable to all cases or situations.'