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Worldly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸŒ
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worldly

[หˆwษ™rldli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

pertaining to the physical world

Relating to or concerning the material world, as opposed to the spiritual or heavenly realms. Worldly possessions and concerns are those related to this earthly existence rather than to spiritual matters.

Synonyms

material, secular, temporal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
worldly

Use this word when referring to someone who is experienced and knowledgeable about life's practical aspects or someone who values material possessions and comfort.

  • She is very worldly and knows how to handle difficult situations
  • He is overly concerned with worldly matters, like money and status
material

This word is best used when referring to physical objects, possessions, or wealth, as opposed to spiritual or emotional aspects.

  • He focused on material wealth and neglected his family
  • The company offers material benefits such as a high salary and a company car
secular

This word is ideal for describing something that is not connected to religious or spiritual matters.

  • The school's curriculum is entirely secular
  • They prefer to keep their music secular, avoiding religious themes
temporal

Use this word to refer to something related to the concept of time or earthly life, as opposed to eternal or spiritual matters.

  • The priest discussed the temporal nature of human existence
  • Temporal concerns often distract us from spiritual growth

Examples of usage

  • He was more interested in worldly riches than spiritual enlightenment.
  • She preferred to focus on worldly pleasures rather than meditate on philosophical questions.
Context #2 | Adjective

experienced in the ways of the world

Experienced and sophisticated in the ways of society, often implying a knowledge of social conventions and customs. A worldly person is well-traveled and well-versed in cultural norms.

Synonyms

cosmopolitan, experienced, sophisticated.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
worldly

Worldly refers to someone who has experience and knowledge about life and the world, often implying a practical, materialistic focus. It can sometimes have a slightly negative connotation, suggesting a lack of spiritual or moral depth.

  • He has a very worldly perspective on financial matters.
  • Her worldly wisdom comes from years of travel and dealing with people from various cultures.
sophisticated

Sophisticated describes someone or something that is highly developed, complex, or refined, often in terms of cultural, intellectual, or social aspects. It can suggest elegance or advanced knowledge.

  • Her taste in wine is very sophisticated, always knowing the best vintage to choose.
  • The software has become more sophisticated over the years, offering a wide range of features.
experienced

Experienced emphasizes an individual's practical knowledge or skill gained through direct participation or exposure over time. It is a neutral term and can apply to a wide range of contexts, from work to travel.

  • The company is looking for an experienced manager to lead the new project.
  • He's an experienced traveler who knows how to navigate foreign cultures with ease.
cosmopolitan

Cosmopolitan is used to describe someone who has lived in and is familiar with many different cultures or countries, often reflecting an open-minded and global perspective.

  • She has a very cosmopolitan outlook, having lived in Tokyo, Paris, and New York.
  • The city is known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, attracting people from all over the world.

Examples of usage

  • Having traveled extensively, she was quite worldly in her outlook.
  • His worldly wisdom helped him navigate the complexities of social interactions.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • In philosophical discussions, 'worldly' can refer to people concerned with material wealth over spiritual or ethical values.
  • Some think that being worldly means to be knowledgeable about life but can also imply a lack of focus on deeper, spiritual truths.
  • Existentialists argue that engaging with the 'worldly' is essential to finding personal meaning in life.

Literature

  • Many classic literary heroes are portrayed as 'worldly', experiencing a vast array of adventures that deepen their understanding of life.
  • In Shakespeare's works, characters often struggle between worldly desires and higher moral choices.
  • Modern literature frequently explores the tension between worldly lifestyles and the pursuit of personal fulfillment.

Religion

  • Various religions teach that being overly 'worldly' can distract from spiritual growth, urging followers to focus on inner values.
  • Some religious texts highlight the importance of living in the world but not being consumed by it, maintaining a balance of worldly and spiritual life.
  • Saints and spiritual leaders often exemplify resisting worldly temptations in favor of divine purpose.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Culturally, what it means to be 'worldly' can vary; in some societies, itโ€™s celebrated as a sign of sophistication, while in others, it may be viewed with skepticism.
  • Travel and exposure to different cultures are often seen as means to become more worldly, broadening oneโ€™s perspective and understanding.
  • In the age of globalization, the term has evolved to encompass the interconnectedness of cultures and ideas across the globe.

Origin of 'worldly'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'worldly' comes from Old English 'weorold', which meant 'the age of man' or 'life on Earth'.
  • In Middle English, it transformed to 'worldli', reflecting a focus on earthly matters.
  • The word is often contrasted with 'spiritual', emphasizing a focus on material aspects of life.

The word 'worldly' originated from the Old English word 'woruldlic', meaning 'secular' or 'temporal'. Over time, it evolved to encompass both the physical/material aspects of the world and a sophisticated understanding of society. The concept of being 'worldly' has been explored in various religious and philosophical traditions, highlighting the tension between material pursuits and spiritual enlightenment.

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

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,005 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.