What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
earthly
Example
He was more concerned with his earthly possessions than his spiritual well-being. [earthly: adjective]
Example
We must remember that our time on earth is limited and our earthly pursuits are fleeting. [earthly: adjective]
worldly
Example
She had a worldly outlook on life, having traveled extensively and experienced different cultures. [worldly: adjective]
Example
He was a man of the world, having lived in various countries and worked in different industries. [worldly: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Worldly is more commonly used than earthly in everyday language. Worldly is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while earthly is less common and often used in religious or spiritual contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between earthly and worldly?
While earthly is typically associated with a formal or religious tone, worldly is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be used in various formality levels.