universe
gb/jˈunəvˌɚs/ us/jˈunəvˌɚs/
B1
English
~ 2900
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
all existing space and matter
Everything that exists in space and time, including all stars, planets, and galaxies.
Usage pattern:
the universe [verb]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'universe' with 'world'; 'world' usually refers to Earth, while 'universe' includes everything in existence.
Synonyms
cosmos (Often used in a poetic or scientific way to mean the same as 'universe'.)
Antonyms
nothingness (Represents the absence of all matter, energy, space, and time.)
Collocations
observable universe
|entire universe
|universe expands
|origin of the universe
|universe is infinite
Themes
science
|astronomy
|cosmology
|nature
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Astronomers study the universe to understand how it began.
- The universe contains billions of galaxies.
- Scientists believe the universe is still expanding.
- Many people wonder if there is life elsewhere in the universe.
Learner examples
- The universe has many stars.
- We live in a big universe.
- The universe is very old.
- The sun is part of the universe.
Noun
B2
entity
2
a specific domain or sphere
A special area or type of activity or ideas.
Usage pattern:
the universe of [something]
Common mistake:
Learners may not realize this meaning is figurative and may try to interpret it literally as outer space.
Synonyms
realm (Similar meaning but slightly more formal or literary.)
Antonyms
outside world (Refers to everything beyond a particular sphere or activity.)
Collocations
the universe of sports
|the universe of online gaming
|the fashion universe
Themes
metaphor
|culture
|core_vocabulary
|education
Examples
- She is well known in the universe of classical music.
- The book explores the universe of political intrigue.
- In the universe of social media influencers, trends change quickly.
Learner examples
- He works in the universe of film.
- I like the universe of books.
- In the universe of sports, football is popular.
Noun
B1
entity
3
fictional setting or world
The world and everything in it that is made for a movie, book, or game.
Usage pattern:
the [fictional] universe of [title]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this fictional sense with the scientific meaning; context usually clarifies which is intended.
Synonyms
world (A simpler term often used for fictional settings but less expansive than 'universe'.)
Antonyms
real world (Refers to actual reality outside a fictional setting.)
Collocations
Marvel Universe
|Harry Potter universe
|cinematic universe
Themes
entertainment
|storytelling
|arts_entertainment
|communication
Examples
- Fans enjoy exploring the expanded Star Wars universe.
- The Marvel Universe includes hundreds of superheroes.
- Writers sometimes create spin-offs set in the same fictional universe.
Learner examples
- I like the Marvel Universe.
- The Harry Potter universe has magic.
- This game is set in a fantasy universe.
Grammar
Dictionary form
universe
IPA
GB/jˈunəvˌɚs/
US/jˈunəvˌɚs/
Syllables & stress
uni - verse (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (uni)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: universe
- Plural: universes
Word family
Forms
universes
noun
Core family
universal
adjective B2
universally
adverb B2
Advanced or less common
universality
noun
universalize
verb
Expressions
center of the universe
1/sˈɛntɚ əv ðə jˈunəvˌɚs/
idiom
informal
most important person/thing
Someone or something that is considered more important than anything else.
Examples
- She acts like she’s the center of the universe.
- For his parents, their child is the center of the universe.
in the whole universe
1/ˈɪn ðə hˈoʊl jˈunəvˌɚs/
fixed phrase
in all existence
Everywhere that exists; anywhere at all.
Examples
- There is no one like her in the whole universe.
- He’s the best friend in the whole universe.
known universe
1/nˈoʊn jˈunəvˌɚs/
fixed phrase
all discovered existence
All parts of space that people have found or studied.
Examples
- Astronomers are mapping the known universe.
- This is the fastest ship in the known universe.
parallel universe
1/pˈɛɹəlˌɛl jˈunəvˌɚs/
fixed phrase
hypothetical separate reality
A different world that exists at the same time as ours but is separate from it.
Examples
- Science fiction often explores the idea of a parallel universe.
- In a parallel universe, you might have made a different choice.