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World Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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world

[wษœหld ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

around the globe

The earth, together with all of its countries, peoples, and natural features.

Synonyms

earth, globe, planet.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
world

Used when talking about human societies, cultures, nations, or global activities and influences.

  • She traveled around the world in search of the best cuisine.
  • The world is facing numerous environmental challenges.
planet

Used when discussing celestial bodies within our solar system or other galaxies, often in an astronomical context.

  • Mars is sometimes called the Red Planet.
  • Astronomers discovered a new planet outside our solar system.
globe

Often used to emphasize the spherical shape of the planet or to refer to the global scope of something.

  • The company's influence extends across the globe.
  • She spun the globe to choose her next travel destination.
earth

Typically used when referring to the planet as a whole, especially in scientific or environmental contexts.

  • The Earth revolves around the Sun.
  • We need to take care of the Earth's resources.

Examples of usage

  • He traveled the world to experience different cultures.
  • The world is facing a climate crisis.
Context #2 | Noun

human society

The human population and activities as a whole.

Synonyms

community, population, society.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
world

This term is used to describe the entire planet and everything on it, or the global human population. It is often used in discussions about global issues, geography, and universal concepts.

  • Climate change is affecting the entire world.
  • She wants to travel around the world.
society

This refers to a large group of people who live together in an organized way, or to the people and culture of a particular time and place. It often involves discussions about social structures, norms, and values.

  • Society has changed a lot over the past century.
  • There are many pressing issues facing modern society.
community

This word refers to a group of people living in the same area or having a particular characteristic in common. It can also refer to groups with shared interests or identities.

  • The local community came together to clean up the park.
  • There is a strong online community for photography enthusiasts.
population

Used to talk about the number of people living in a particular area, city, or country. It is often used in demographics, statistics, and discussions about growth or decline.

  • The population of the city has grown rapidly over the past decade.
  • Scientists are studying the population trends of endangered species.

Examples of usage

  • The world watched as the historic event unfolded.
  • He is well-known in the world of fashion.
Context #3 | Noun

an area of interest

A particular sphere of activity or experience.

Synonyms

domain, field, realm.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
world

Use when referring to the Earth or all its people, or describing a particular aspect of human experience.

  • The world is facing a climate crisis.
  • In the world of fashion, trends change quickly.
realm

Use for a more formal or metaphorical sense of a region, area of interest, or a kingdom.

  • The book explores the realm of fantasy and magic.
  • His influence extends into the political realm.
domain

Use when referring to an area of knowledge, activity, or control.

  • Mathematics is her domain of expertise.
  • He expanded his company's domain into international markets.
field

Use when talking about a specific branch of study or professional activity.

  • She is a leading researcher in the field of biotechnology.
  • The medical field requires continuous learning.

Examples of usage

  • She is a leading expert in the world of technology.
  • The art world is constantly evolving.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • Many religions and philosophies discuss the world in terms of creation, existence, and human purpose.
  • In literature and art, the concept of 'the world' often reflects themes of adventure, exploration, and understanding human existence.

Science

  • Earth is the third planet from the Sun in our solar system and is unique for its ability to support life.
  • The worldโ€™s surface is about 71% water, and it has diverse climates and ecosystems that sustain countless species.

Psychology

  • Cognitive psychologists study how our perception of the world influences our feelings and actions.
  • The worldview concept refers to how an individual interprets and interacts with their surroundings, shaped by experiences and culture.

Pop Culture

  • Popular songs like 'What a Wonderful World' celebrate the beauty of our planet and life itself.
  • In films, stories about different 'worlds' often explore themes of fantasy and adventure, illustrating the vastness of imagination.

Origin of 'world'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Old English 'weorold,' which blends 'wer' (man) and 'ald' (age), meaning 'age of man.'
  • In many languages, the word for 'world' often has roots that relate to 'age' or 'life,' showing a common understanding across cultures.

The word 'world' originated from the Old English 'woruld', which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word 'werald'. It has been used in English since the 12th century to refer to the earth and human society. Over time, its meaning has expanded to include various spheres of activity and interest.

See also: netherworld, otherworldly, underworld, worldly, worldview, worldwide.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #136, this word is extremely common in English. It's a crucial part of basic vocabulary that's used constantly in both spoken and written communication, making it essential for even basic conversations.