Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
universal agent

universal agent

7.7
A person allowed to do all business for someone else
  • noun
  • /ˌjunɪˈvɜrsəl ˈeɪdʒənt/
  • Jargon
translation icon : agente universal
  • The contract named her as the universal agent for all transactions related to the estate.

Examples

  • As a universal agent, he could sign documents, make deals, and act on behalf of his client in any matter.

  • A universal agent can sign contracts on behalf of the principal.

  • In rare cases, a universal agent is appointed to manage every aspect of a principal's affairs.

  • Many companies rely on a universal agent for their operations.

  • He was appointed as a universal agent to represent his family in all real estate transactions.

  • The firm hired a universal agent to oversee all financial dealings for the company.

  • As a universal agent, she has the authority to negotiate contracts and handle various business matters.

Synonyms

agent
vsuniversal agent
  • Formal
∞ 2.8

A person who helps and represents someone in business, legal, or official matters

is authorized to handle every type of business rather than only represent others
general agent
vsuniversal agent
  • Specialized
6.5

A person who can manage many business matters for another person

is the same role but uses a different label in texts

Surface Forms

universal agent singular
universal agents plural

Morphology

universal + agent

The meaning 'a person authorized to conduct all types of business on behalf of another' is directly derivable from combining 'universal' (applying to all or broadly) with 'agent' (a representative). This adjectival+noun composition is literal and mirrors similar constructions in other languages (e.g., Spanish 'agente universal'), so a B1 learner who knows both constituents should be able to infer the meaning.

Etymology

Universal agent uses universal like a remote that works for 'everything' and agent for a person who acts for you. Imagine giving someone the keys to your house and permission to handle any task, so a universal agent today can do all types of business for another person, from signing papers to making deals.