adj

worldly

WURLD-lee

adj

Concerned with material or practical life rather than spiritual matters.

"He gave up his worldly possessions to join the monastery."

Experienced and sophisticated about life, especially through travel or exposure to many cultures.

"She had a worldly air after years of living abroad."

How to Use Worldly

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither about material/earthly life (as opposed to spiritual), or sophisticated and well-traveled.

Easily confused with

worldwide →

Common pairings

worldly possessions worldly wise a worldly person

worldlier comparative, more worldly comparative, more worldly comparative, worldliest superlative, most worldly superlative, most worldly superlative

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He gave up his _____ possessions to join the monastery.

From Old English "woruldlīċ," combining "world" with the adjective ending "-ly."

otherworldly