mindmap root((普遍)) universal implies reference to everyone without exception in the class, category, or genus considered: declared ~ amnesty. general implies reference to all or nearly all: the theory has met ~ acceptance; or, in reference to such things as words, language, ideas, or notions, suggests lack of precision: got the ~ idea. generic implies reference to every member of a genus and is applicable especially to items such as qualities, characteristics, or likenesses that serve as identifying guides: ~ likenesses among all dogs.