Earthly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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earthly
[หษrฮธli ]
Definitions
of or relating to the earth
Belonging to or characteristic of the earth or its inhabitants. Synonyms include terrestrial, worldly, mundane.
Synonyms
mundane, terrestrial, worldly.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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earthly |
Use when referring to something that exists on the Earth or is related to human life on Earth, often contrasted with spiritual or heavenly things.
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terrestrial |
Use when referring to anything that is related to the Earth, especially in contrast to things from outer space or water-based life.
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worldly |
Use to describe something related to the physical world or human affairs; often has a connotation of being materialistic or concerned with personal gain.
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mundane |
Use to describe something that is ordinary, common, or lacking excitement; often associated with everyday tasks or activities.
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Examples of usage
- The earthly realm
- Earthly pleasures
- Earthly possessions
practical and realistic
Sensible, practical, and down-to-earth. Synonyms include practical, realistic, pragmatic.
Synonyms
practical, pragmatic, realistic.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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earthly |
Used when talking about things that are physical, material, or related to the Earth rather than spiritual or heavenly matters.
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practical |
Used to describe something that is functional, sensible, and oriented toward real-world applications rather than theories or ideas.
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realistic |
Used when focusing on situations that are sensible and close to real life, considering actual facts and constraints.
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pragmatic |
Used when describing an approach that is realistic, based on practical considerations, and focused on what works best in practice. Often used to describe decisions or actions.
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Examples of usage
- An earthly approach to problem-solving
- She has a very earthly attitude towards life
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Philosophy
- In philosophical discussions, 'earthly' often contrasts with 'spiritual' or 'heavenly', reflecting on material versus immaterial existence.
- Many philosophies explore the idea that earthly possessions can divert focus from spiritual growth.
Literature
- William Shakespeare often used 'earthly' to reflect human vulnerabilities and the transient nature of life in his plays.
- Many poets and writers use the word to evoke imagery related to nature and the physical world, grounding their themes in reality.
Environmental Science
- Conversations about sustainability frequently reference earthly matters to highlight the importance of protecting our planet.
- The term encapsulates concerns regarding pollution, climate change, and the overall health of Earth's ecosystems.
Culture
- In various cultural traditions, earthly elements like soil, water, and air are celebrated as sacred parts of life.
- Art and music often draw upon the concept of earthly beauty, showcasing the rich biodiversity of our planet.
Origin of 'earthly'
Main points about word origin
- Originating from Old English 'eorรพlic', the term has evolved to describe things associated with the ground or nature.
- The word combines 'earth' with the suffix '-ly', which generally means 'in the manner of' or 'related to'.
The word 'earthly' originated from the Old English word 'eorรพlic', which meant 'of the earth'. It has been used to describe things related to the earth or practical matters since the 13th century.
See also: earth, earthen, earthenware, earthing, earthling, earthmover, earthquake, earthworm, earthy, unearth, unearthing.