WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
world•ly /ˈwɜrldli/USA pronunciation
adj., -li•er, -li•est.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- of or concerned with this world rather than heaven, an afterlife, or spiritual life in general.
- of or relating to material things:lost all their worldly goods in the flood.
- experienced;
sophisticated:a worldly diplomat and traveler.
world•ly
(wûrld′lē),USA pronunciation adj., -li•er, -li•est, adv.
adj.
adv.
world′li•ness, n.
adj.
- of or pertaining to this world as contrasted with heaven, spiritual life, etc.;
earthly;
mundane. - experienced;
knowing;
sophisticated:the benefits of his worldly wisdom. - devoted to, directed toward, or connected with the affairs, interests, or pleasures of this world.
- of or pertaining to the people or laity;
secular;
neither ecclesiastical nor religious. - [Obs.]of, pertaining to, or existing on earth.
adv.
- in a worldly manner (archaic except in combination):worldly-wise; worldly-minded.
- bef. 900; Middle English; Old English wor(u)ldlīc. See world, -ly
- 1. temporal. See earthly. 2. urbane, cosmopolitan.
- 1. spiritual.
'worldliness' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):