ˈwər(ə)l(d)lē, ˈwə̄l(d)-, -(d)li adjective
( sometimes -er/-est )
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English woruldlic, from woruld world + -lic -ly
1. : of or relating to this world : associated with the earthly existence of man : earthly rather than heavenly or spiritual
concentration upon worldly goods and worldly advancement — Lewis Mumford
the worldly kind of charm one associates with cabaret singers — Henry Hewes
worldly fame
2. archaic : of, relating to, or associated with the earth or its inhabitants : earthly 1a
worldly creatures
3. : interested in or concerned with the enjoyments of this present existence : devoted to the world and its pursuits : characterized by interest in and concentration on practical and immediate affairs and concerns (as success, gain, pleasure, or self-esteem) and indifference to matters spiritual
the most worldly of the eighteenth-century ecclesiastics — Hilaire Belloc
the fashionable talk of her worldly rival — W.M.Thackeray
4. : worldly-wise
Synonyms: see earthly