worldly
WERLD-lee
/ˈwɜːldli/
Experienced in the ways of the world; sophisticated and practical; also relating to material rather than spiritual matters.
Implies realistic understanding of human nature, society, and practical affairs through life experience.
The story behind the word. From Old English 'woruldic', combining 'wer' (man) and 'ald' (age), literally meaning 'age of man'. It came to contrast spiritual affairs with practical human existence.
Word relationships
- cosmopolitan: Worldly focuses on pragmatic life experience and sharp reality, while cosmopolitan emphasizes international culture.
- naive: Naive means lacking experience, wisdom, or judgment.
Commonly confused with
- earthly: Earthly relates physically to the planet Earth; worldly relates to human social matters and experience.
Word family
- worldliness (noun): Practical wisdom or concern with material affairs.
Collocations
- worldly wisdom
- worldly goods
- worldly experience
Idioms & expressions
- worldly-wise
Example sentences
- "Having traveled across three continents, she had a worldly outlook that made her advice invaluable." Novel excerpt
Memory hook
WORLD-ly: Wise about how the entire WORLD operates. Wise to the ways of the world.
When not to use
Do not use for naive, idealist, or sheltered perspectives.
Fun facts
- Originally used in religious contexts to mean 'secular' or 'non-spiritual'.
Related words
Explore more words
secular, temporal, savvy, cosmopolitan, shrewd, transcendent
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