What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
earthly
Example
He was consumed by his earthly desires and lost sight of his spiritual goals. [earthly: adjective]
Example
We must focus on earthly matters such as finances and health to ensure a stable future. [earthly: adjective]
terrestrial
Example
The terrestrial environment includes all living and non-living things on Earth. [terrestrial: adjective]
Example
The telescope is used to observe celestial bodies as well as terrestrial objects. [terrestrial: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Earthly is more commonly used than terrestrial in everyday language, especially in religious or spiritual contexts. Terrestrial is more commonly used in scientific or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between earthly and terrestrial?
Both earthly and terrestrial are formal words that are appropriate for use in academic or professional writing. However, terrestrial may be considered more technical or specialized than earthly.
