adjective
global
Relating to the whole world or an entire system.
The report examines global trends in food prices and supply.
Etymology
The Latin word names a ball or sphere. The globe of Earth supplied the worldwide sense, while the idea of one encompassing whole broadened to an entire system.
More examples
- Scientists study the global effects of rising temperatures.
- This setting makes a global change across the entire system.
- Local shortages can quickly become a global problem.
Forms
global
globally adverb — Across the world or throughout a system.
Similar words
- worldwide
- Refers specifically to the world, not an entire system.
- universal
- Applies to everyone or everything, often without exceptions.
- comprehensive
- Covers all relevant parts, without necessarily extending worldwide.