noun
- plural of nonuniversal; things, properties, or concepts that are not universal or not applicable to all cases, instances, or people
Usage: formal; philosophy and logic; typically used in academic or technical contexts
Examples
- In philosophy, nonuniversals refer to properties that apply only to certain individuals or groups.
- The debate between universals and nonuniversals has long occupied metaphysicians.
- Some logicians argue that most natural language predicates denote nonuniversals rather than true universals.
- The study of nonuniversals helps clarify what makes something particular rather than general.
- Philosophers distinguish between universals, which apply everywhere, and nonuniversals, which have limited scope.