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worldly Definition

worldly (wʉrld′lē)

adjective -·lier, -·li·est

  1. of or limited to this world; temporal or secular
  2. devoted to or concerned with the affairs, pleasures, etc. of this world
  3. worldly-wise; sophisticated

worldly Related Forms

world′·li·ness noun

worldly Synonyms

worldly

modif.

  1. Lacking spirituality or idealism

    mundane, earthly, ungodly, matter-of-fact, practical, secular, profane, strategic, grubbing, money-making, unprincipled, power-loving, self-centered, opportunistic, sophisticated.

    Antonyms spiritual*, religious*, idealistic. *

  2. Referring to life on the earth

    terrestrial, earthly, sublunary, mundane, telluric, human, natural, temporal. See syn. study at earthly.earthly.

worldly Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • lust: Grace teaches men to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts ( Tit.
  • wisdom: The gospel message is the opposite of worldly wisdom.
  • possession: Bear in mind that our worldly possessions were in the back packs.
  • belonging: So they do their daily march in rear of the convoy, carrying their worldly belongings with them.
  • greatness: Christ would not come in pomp, but with slender provision and furniture, to put a disgrace upon worldly greatness and bravery.
  • vanity: Art thou taken off from earthly things and worldly vanities, and seriously set a-work to make provision for eternity?

Modifying Another Word

  • very: Well, the good news is, Johnny Coppin has the antidote to what has become a very worldly festival.
  • not: Hast thou not worldly pleasure at command, Aboue the reach or compasse of thy thought?
  • too: As NGOs we have also become " too worldly " .
  • so: They are also so worldly in the best sense of the word.
  • only: In his own home a man hears only worldly talk; the disease of worldliness has become chronic with him.
  • rather: In the 1530s, the provost, James Gentle, seems to have been a rather worldly character.