worldly
3 synonyms and 1 antonym for worldly, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Concerned with material or practical life rather than spiritual matters.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use worldly
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
worldly possessions
worldly wise
a worldly person
Etymology
From Old English "woruldlīċ," combining "world" with the adjective ending "-ly."
Full origin of worldly →Frequently asked questions
What does “worldly” mean?
The word “worldly” means concerned with material or practical life rather than spiritual matters. In plain terms, either about material/earthly life (as opposed to spiritual), or sophisticated and well-traveled.
How do you pronounce “worldly”?
“Worldly” is pronounced WURLD-lee (/ˈwɜː(ɹ)ldli/ in IPA).
How do you use “worldly” in a sentence?
Here is “worldly” used in a sentence: “He gave up his worldly possessions to join the monastery.”
What part of speech is “worldly”?
“Worldly” is an adjective.
Where does the word “worldly” come from?
The word “worldly” comes from Old English. From Old English "woruldlīċ," combining "world" with the adjective ending "-ly.".
Is “worldly” a common word?
“Worldly” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “worldly” have?
“Worldly” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: concerned with material or practical life rather than spiritual matters.
Related words
old-worldly
