What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
universe
Example
The universe is vast and contains billions of galaxies. [universe: noun]
Example
She has created her own universe of art, music, and literature. [universe: noun]
world
Example
The world is facing many environmental challenges. [world: noun]
Example
He has made a name for himself in the world of business. [world: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
World is more commonly used than universe in everyday language. World is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while universe is less common and typically used in scientific or academic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between universe and world?
Universe is generally considered more formal than world, due to its association with scientific and philosophical discourse. However, both words can be used in formal and informal contexts depending on the situation.