adjective
worldly
WURLD-lee/ˈwɜːrldli/
Experienced and sophisticated in practical human affairs.
The worldly buyer checks for hidden wear instead of trusting the seller.
Etymology
World here concerns human life and secular affairs, rather than the planet. Worldly originally meant earthly or secular; the selected sense emphasizes familiarity with those affairs and the practical understanding that comes with it.
In context
the worldly wisdom of a man whose profession had trained him to read the human face.
More examples
- Her worldly aunt recognizes when a compliment hides a request.
- Years of negotiating contracts have made him more worldly.
- Despite her worldly confidence, she sometimes trusts the wrong people.
Forms
worldly
worldliness noun — Practical experience and sophistication in human affairs.
Similar words
- sophisticated
- Emphasizes social polish and refined knowledge rather than practical experience.
- savvy
- Emphasizes practical judgment and knowing how to get results.
- streetwise
- Emphasizes recognizing danger and deception in everyday urban life.