Earthly: meaning, definitions and examples

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earthly

[ˈərθli ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

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
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. He had no earthly desires left, having devoted his life to his faith. The scientists focused on earthly phenomena.
terrestrial	Use when referring to anything that is related to the Earth, especially in contrast to things from outer space or water-based life. The movie explores the possibility of terrestrial life meeting beings from another planet. Terrestrial animals include most mammals, reptiles, and birds.
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. He abandoned his worldly possessions for a simpler life. The book provides tips on achieving both spiritual and worldly success.
mundane	Use to describe something that is ordinary, common, or lacking excitement; often associated with everyday tasks or activities. Filing taxes is one of the more mundane aspects of adult life. She found the routine of office work rather mundane.

Examples of usage

The earthly realm
Earthly pleasures
Earthly possessions

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

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
earthly	Used when talking about things that are physical, material, or related to the Earth rather than spiritual or heavenly matters. She had no earthly possessions left. In earthly terms, he was very successful.
practical	Used to describe something that is functional, sensible, and oriented toward real-world applications rather than theories or ideas. We need a practical solution to this problem. Her advice was always very practical.
realistic	Used when focusing on situations that are sensible and close to real life, considering actual facts and constraints. Be realistic about your goals. The movie provides a realistic portrayal of life in the 19th century.
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. His pragmatic approach helped the company overcome the crisis. She is a very pragmatic leader.

Examples of usage

An earthly approach to problem-solving
She has a very earthly attitude towards life

Interesting Facts

Etymology

Originating from Old English 'eorþlic', 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'.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "earthly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 terreno

🇮🇳 स्थलीय

🇩🇪 irdisch

🇮🇩 duniawi

🇺🇦 земний

🇵🇱 ziemski

🇯🇵 地上的な (ちじょうてきな)

🇫🇷 terrestre

🇪🇸 terrenal

🇹🇷 dünyevi

🇰🇷 지상의

🇸🇦 أرضي

🇨🇿 pozemský

🇸🇰 pozemský

🇨🇳 世俗的 (shìsú de)

🇸🇮 zemeljski

🇮🇸 jarðneskur

🇰🇿 жердегі

🇬🇪 მიწიერი

🇦🇿 dünyəvi

🇲🇽 terrenal

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,172 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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7169 preclude
7170 differentiated
7171 anatomy
7172 earthly
7173 weed
7174 spark
7175 posture
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