What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
public
Example
The park is a public space where anyone can go. [public: adjective]
Example
The government provides public services such as healthcare and education. [public: adjective]
Example
The celebrity's personal life became public knowledge after the scandal. [public: noun]
universal
Example
The desire for happiness is universal among all human beings. [universal: adjective]
Example
Gravity is a universal force that affects all objects in the universe. [universal: adjective]
Example
The universal truth is that actions speak louder than words. [universal: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Public is more commonly used in everyday language, while universal is more commonly used in academic or technical writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between public and universal?
Universal is generally considered more formal than public, as it is often used in academic or technical contexts.
