Unworldly: meaning, definitions and examples

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unworldly

 

[ ʌnˈwɜːrldli ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

general description

The term 'unworldly' describes someone or something that is not influenced by the concerns or issues of the world, often characterized by a spiritual or naive nature. It can imply a lack of practicality or sophistication in worldly matters.

Synonyms

dreamy, idealistic, innocent, naive

Examples of usage

  • Her unworldly perspective made her an excellent artist.
  • He was often considered unworldly, lost in thoughts of higher ideals.
  • The unworldly nature of their love seemed untouched by reality.

Word origin

The word 'unworldly' is formed by the prefix 'un-', meaning 'not', and 'worldly', which derives from the Old English 'weoruld', referring to the physical realm and material concerns. The evolution of the term reflects a duality in human experience, where 'worldly' pertains to the tangible, practical aspects of life, while 'unworldly' signifies a departure from these concerns toward a more introspective, often spiritual viewpoint. The usage of 'unworldly' gained traction in the 19th century as literature and philosophy began to explore themes of transcendence and the divine, marking a cultural shift towards valuing inner wisdom over material success. This shift saw figures like transcendentalists in America advocating for an unworldly approach to life, emphasizing intuition and connection with nature over conventional societal values.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,105 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.