worldly
UK: ˈwɜːldli | US: ˈwɜrldli
adj. relating to or concerned with material or earthly matters rather than spiritual ones
adj. experienced in the ways of the world; sophisticated
The word "worldly" combines "world," derived from Old English "weorold" (a fusion of "wer" meaning "man" and "eld" meaning "age"), with the suffix "-ly," which turns nouns into adjectives. Originally, "world" referred to human life or the physical universe, and "-ly" gave it the sense of "pertaining to." Over time, "worldly" evolved to describe things focused on earthly concerns (as opposed to spiritual) or someone experienced in secular affairs.
His worldly possessions consisted of little more than a suitcase of clothes.
She admired his worldly wisdom, gained from years of travel.
Monks often renounce worldly pleasures to focus on spiritual growth.
The novel explores the clash between worldly ambitions and moral values.
Despite her youth, she had a surprisingly worldly perspective.