Particular vs. Universal — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 4, 2024
Particulars are specific instances or examples within a category, whereas universals are general concepts or qualities that apply broadly.
Difference Between Particular and Universal
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Particulars refer to individual, distinct entities or instances that can be identified separately within a broader category. These can be specific objects, events, or instances that are unique in their characteristics. On the other hand, universals are abstract concepts, properties, or categories that can be applied to many particulars, representing common qualities or general principles that are not bound to specific instances.
While particulars are concrete, observable, and can vary widely within their attributes, universals are abstract, not tied to any specific physical form, and remain consistent across different contexts. For example, a specific apple with its unique size, color, and taste is a particular, whereas the concept of "fruitness" that applies to all fruits, including apples, is a universal.
The relationship between particulars and universals is fundamental in various philosophical debates, especially in metaphysics and epistemology. Particulars are often used to demonstrate or exemplify universal concepts, illustrating how abstract principles manifest in concrete examples. Conversely, universals provide a framework for understanding, classifying, and discussing the vast diversity of particulars.
In everyday language and thought, we navigate between particulars and universals regularly. We recognize and interact with particulars, such as individual people, places, and things, while also categorizing these entities and discussing them within the broader context of universals. This interplay allows for both detailed specificity and generalization in communication and knowledge.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Specific instances or examples.
General concepts or qualities.
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Nature
Concrete, individual, unique.
Abstract, applicable broadly.
Example
A specific apple.
The concept of "fruit" or "redness".
Philosophical Context
Used to exemplify universal concepts.
Framework for understanding particulars.
Function in Language
Enables detailed specificity.
Allows for generalization and classification.
Compare with Definitions
Particular
Concrete and observable, with distinct characteristics.
Each snowflake is a particular with its own unique pattern.
Universal
An abstract concept or quality that applies across multiple instances.
The idea of beauty is a universal that can be found in various forms of art.
Particular
Examined to understand or demonstrate universal concepts.
Philosophers study moral actions (particulars) to discuss the concept of goodness (universal).
Universal
Abstract and consistent, not limited to physical manifestations.
Equality is a universal principle advocated in many societies.
Particular
A specific instance or entity within a broader category.
The painting hanging in the museum is a particular that reflects the artist's unique style.
Universal
Enables generalization and the formulation of theories.
Scientists use universals like laws of physics to explain natural phenomena.
Particular
Represents the diversity and specificity of the real world.
Historians document particulars like events and figures to interpret historical trends (universals).
Universal
Provides a framework for discussing and classifying particulars.
The concept of species is a universal that categorizes countless living organisms.
Particular
Identified and interacted with as individual entities.
Choosing a particular book from a shelf is based on specific interests or needs.
Universal
Used to categorize and communicate about broad concepts.
Talking about music genres (universals) helps people discover new songs (particulars).
Particular
In metaphysics, particulars or individuals are usually contrasted with universals. Universals concern features that can be exemplified by various different particulars.
Universal
Of, relating to, or affecting the entire universe
The universal laws of physics.
Particular
Used to single out an individual member of a specified group or class
The action seems to discriminate against a particular group of companies
Universal
Including, relating to, or affecting all members of the class or group under consideration; applicable in all cases
Universal vaccination.
Universal suffrage.
Particular
Especially great or intense
When handling or checking cash the cashier should exercise particular care
Universal
Done, produced, or shared by all members of the class or group under consideration
A discovery that met with universal acclaim.
Particular
Insisting that something should be correct or suitable in every detail; fastidious
She is very particular about cleanliness
Universal
Adapted or adjustable to many sizes, uses, or devices
A universal remote control.
Particular
A detail
He is wrong in every particular
Universal
(Logic)Encompassing all of the members of a class or group. Used of a proposition.
Particular
An individual item, as contrasted with a universal quality
Universals can be simultaneously exemplified by different particulars in different places
Universal
A universal proposition.
Particular
Of, belonging to, or associated with a specific person, group, thing, or category; not general or universal
She did not have a particular café in mind for their get-together.
Universal
A general or abstract concept or term considered absolute or axiomatic.
Particular
Distinctive among others of the same group, category, or nature; noteworthy or exceptional
An area known for its particular style of architecture.
Universal
A general or widely held principle, concept, or notion.
Particular
Of, relating to, or providing details; precise
Gave a particular description of the incident.
Universal
A trait or pattern of behavior characteristic of all the members of a particular culture or of all humans.
Particular
Attentive to or concerned with details or niceties, often excessively so; fussy.
Universal
Of or pertaining to the universe.
Particular
(Logic) Encompassing some but not all of the members of a class or group. Used of a proposition.
Universal
Common to all members of a group or class.
Particular
An individual item, fact, or detail
The two schools are similar in every particular. The police refused to divulge the particulars of the case.
Universal
Common to all society; worldwide.
She achieved universal fame.
Particular
(Logic) A particular proposition.
Universal
Unlimited; vast; infinite.
Particular
(obsolete) Pertaining only to a part of something; partial.
Universal
Useful for many purposes; all-purpose.
Universal wrench
Particular
Specific; discrete; concrete.
I couldn't find the particular model you asked for, but I hope this one will do.
We knew it was named after John Smith, but nobody knows which particular John Smith.
Universal
(philosophy) A characteristic or property that particular things have in common.
Particular
Specialised; characteristic of a specific person or thing.
I don't appreciate your particular brand of cynicism.
Universal
Of or pertaining to the universe; extending to, including, or affecting, the whole number, quantity, or space; unlimited; general; all-reaching; all-pervading; as, universal ruin; universal good; universal benevolence or benefice.
The universal causeActs not by partial, but by general laws.
This universal frame began.
Particular
(obsolete) Known only to an individual person or group; confidential.
Universal
Constituting or considered as a whole; total; entire; whole; as, the universal world.
At which the universal host up dentA shout that tore Hell's concave.
Particular
Distinguished in some way; special (often in negative constructions).
My five favorite places are, in no particular order, New York, Chicago, Paris, San Francisco and London.
I didn't have any particular interest in the book.
He brought no particular news.
She was the particular belle of the party.
Universal
Adapted or adaptable to all or to various uses, shapes, sizes, etc.; as, a universal milling machine.
Particular
(comparable) Of a person, concerned with, or attentive to, details; fastidious.
He is very particular about his food and if it isn't cooked to perfection he will send it back.
These women are more particular about their appearance.
Universal
Forming the whole of a genus; relatively unlimited in extension; affirmed or denied of the whole of a subject; as, a universal proposition; - opposed to particular; e. g. (universal affirmative) All men are animals; (universal negative) No men are omniscient.
Particular
Concerned with, or attentive to, details; minute; circumstantial; precise.
A full and particular account of an accident
Universal
The whole; the general system of the universe; the universe.
Plato calleth God the cause and original, the nature and reason, of the universal.
Particular
(law) Containing a part only; limited.
A particular estate, or one precedent to an estate in remainder
Universal
A general abstract conception, so called from being universally applicable to, or predicable of, each individual or species contained under it.
Particular
(legal) Holding a particular estate.
Universal
Coupling that connects two rotating shafts allowing freedom of movement in all directions;
In motor vehicles a universal joint allows the driveshaft to move up and down as the vehicle passes over bumps
Particular
(logic) Forming a part of a genus; relatively limited in extension; affirmed or denied of a part of a subject.
A particular proposition, opposed to "universal", e.g. (particular affirmative) "Some men are wise"; (particular negative) "Some men are not wise".
Universal
Of worldwide scope or applicability;
An issue of cosmopolitan import
The shrewdest political and ecumenical comment of our time
Universal experience
Particular
A small individual part of something larger; a detail, a point.
Particular
(obsolete) A person's own individual case.
Particular
A particular case; an individual thing as opposed to a whole class. (Opposed to generals, universals.)
Particular
Relating to a part or portion of anything; concerning a part separated from the whole or from others of the class; separate; sole; single; individual; specific; as, the particular stars of a constellation.
[Make] each particular hair to stand an end,Like quills upon the fretful porpentine.
Seken in every halk and every herneParticular sciences for to lerne.
Particular
Of or pertaining to a single person, class, or thing; belonging to one only; not general; not common; hence, personal; peculiar; singular.
Wheresoever one plant draweth such a particular juice out of the earth.
Particular
Separate or distinct by reason of superiority; distinguished; important; noteworthy; unusual; special; as, he brought no particular news; she was the particular belle of the party.
Particular
Concerned with, or attentive to, details; minute; circumstantial; precise; as, a full and particular account of an accident; hence, nice; fastidious; as, a man particular in his dress.
Particular
Containing a part only; limited; as, a particular estate, or one precedent to an estate in remainder.
Particular
Forming a part of a genus; relatively limited in extension; affirmed or denied of a part of a subject; as, a particular proposition; - opposed to universal: e. g. (particular affirmative) Some men are wise; (particular negative) Some men are not wise.
Particular
A separate or distinct member of a class, or part of a whole; an individual fact, point, circumstance, detail, or item, which may be considered separately; as, the particulars of a story.
Particulars which it is not lawful for me to reveal.
It is the greatest interest of particulars to advance the good of the community.
Particular
Special or personal peculiarity, trait, or character; individuality; interest, etc.
For his particular I'll receive him gladly.
If the particulars of each person be considered.
Temporal blessings, whether such as concern the public . . . or such as concern our particular.
Particular
One of the details or items of grounds of claim; - usually in the pl.; also, a bill of particulars; a minute account; as, a particular of premises.
The reader has a particular of the books wherein this law was written.
Particular
A fact about some part (as opposed to general);
He always reasons from the particular to the general
Particular
A small part that can be considered separately from the whole;
It was perfect in all details
Particular
Unique or specific to a person or thing or category;
The particular demands of the job
Has a paraticular preference for Chinese art
A peculiar bond of sympathy between them
An expression peculiar to Canadians
Rights peculiar to the rich
The special features of a computer
My own special chair
Particular
Separate and distinct from others;
An exception in this particular case
Particular
Separate and distinct from others of the same group or category;
Interested in one particular artist
A man who wishes to make a particular woman fall in love with him
Particular
Surpassing what is common or usual or expected;
He paid especial attention to her
Exceptional kindness
A matter of particular and unusual importance
A special occasion
A special reason to confide in her
What's so special about the year 2000?
Particular
First and most important;
His special interest is music
She gets special (or particular) satisfaction from her volunteer work
Particular
Exacting especially about details;
A finicky eater
Fussy about clothes
Very particular about how her food was prepared
Particular
Providing specific details or circumstances;
A particular description of the room
Common Curiosities
What is a particular in philosophy?
A particular is a specific instance or entity that can be individually identified within a broader category.
Can something be both particular and universal?
In most contexts, an entity or concept is classified as either particular or universal, but the interpretation can vary based on philosophical perspectives.
How does recognizing universals help in everyday life?
Recognizing universals allows for categorization, simplification, and general communication about complex ideas.
How do particulars help in scientific research?
Particulars provide the specific data and observations from which scientists can formulate universal laws and theories.
What does universal mean in a general sense?
Universal refers to concepts or qualities that are broadly applicable and not restricted to specific instances.
Why are particulars and universals important in philosophy?
They are fundamental to debates on reality, knowledge, and language, helping to explore how general concepts relate to specific instances.
How do particulars and universals relate to each other?
Particulars exemplify or instantiate universals, while universals categorize and provide a framework for understanding particulars.
Do all cultures recognize the same universals?
While many universals, like basic human emotions, are recognized across cultures, interpretations and expressions can vary.
What role do universals play in forming social norms and laws?
Universals underpin the general principles or values that social norms and laws seek to uphold, guiding behavior across varying particulars.
Are universals real or just conceptual constructs?
This is a debated question in philosophy; some argue universals are real entities that exist beyond the mind, while others see them as conceptual constructs.
Can universals change over time?
While particulars change, universals are often thought of as timeless concepts, though our understanding and definitions of them can evolve.
How do particulars and universals contribute to language and communication?
They allow for both the detailed description of specific entities and the general discussion of broad concepts.
Is morality considered a particular or a universal?
Moral principles are often considered universals, though specific moral actions are particulars.
How do we perceive particulars and universals differently?
Particulars are perceived through sensory experiences, while universals are grasped through abstract thinking and categorization.
Can art be considered a universal or particular?
Individual artworks are particulars, but concepts like artistry or aesthetic value can be seen as universals.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
