Definition

1. Noun:
   • Everything that exists anywhere; the totality of matter, energy, space, and time: The word "universe" refers to the whole of all existing things, including all galaxies, stars, planets, and physical laws.
   • (Statistics) The entire aggregation of items from which a sample can be drawn: In statistics, the "universe" (often called the "population") is the complete set of items or individuals about which information is sought.
   • Everything stated or assumed in a given discussion; a particular sphere of activity, interest, or experience: "Universe" can also refer to a defined world or system of concepts, such as in a story or a specific field.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Astronomers study the origin and evolution of the universe.
  • In this survey, our target universe is all registered voters in the country.
  • The rules of physics in the fictional universe of that movie are very different.

Advanced Usage

• "In the universe": Used to emphasize a superlative or extreme example within a certain context.
  • That was the best pizza in the universe!
• "Parallel universe": A hypothetical, self-contained separate reality co-existing with one's own.
  • The novel explores the idea of characters crossing into a parallel universe.

Variants and Related Words

• Universal (adj): Of, relating to, or characteristic of all or the whole.
  • The search for life is a universal theme in science fiction.
• Universality (n): The quality of being universal; existing everywhere.
• Multiverse (n): A hypothetical collection of multiple, possibly infinite, universes.

Synonyms

• Cosmos: The universe seen as a well-ordered whole.
• Creation: Often used to mean everything that exists, especially when considered as God's work.
• Macrocosm: The whole of a complex structure, especially the world or the universe, contrasted with a small or representative part of it.

Related Phrases

• "Center of the universe": A person who acts as if they are the most important person (often used humorously or critically).
  • He acts like he's the center of the universe.
• "Not in this universe": An emphatic way to say something is impossible or will never happen.
  • Will I work for free? Not in this universe!

Related Idioms

• "A law unto itself": Although not containing the word "universe," this idiom describes something that operates under its own unique rules, similar to a separate universe.
  • The artist's creative process is a law unto itself.

Noun

1. everything stated or assumed in a given discussion
2. (statistics) the entire aggregation of items from which samples can be drawn
   • it is an estimate of the mean of the population
3. everything that exists anywhere
   • they study the evolution of the universe
   • the biggest tree in existence