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Worldliness - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Worldliness refers to a focus on material or earthly concerns rather than spiritual matters. It often implies a preoccupation with wealth, pleasure, or social status.

worldliness

/ˈwɝldlinəs/ /ˈwɜːldlinəs/

Definition:

Concern with material values and ordinary life rather than spiritual or intellectual pursuits.

Synonyms:

materialism, secularism, earthliness, mundanity

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

spirituality, asceticism

Common Collocations:

worldly possessions, worldly concerns, worldly wisdom, worldly pleasures

Derivatives:

worldly, worldling

Usage Tips:

Use "worldliness" to describe an excessive focus on material or temporal matters rather than spiritual ones.

Common Phrases:

the worldliness of society, renounce worldliness, steeped in worldliness

Etymology:

Derived from "worldly," from Old English "woruldlic," meaning "of this world."

Examples:

  • 1. His worldliness made him indifferent to spiritual matters.
  • 2. She rejected the worldliness of modern life for a simpler existence.
  • 3. The monk avoided all traces of worldliness in his ascetic lifestyle.
  • 4. Their conversation revealed a deep worldliness and lack of idealism.

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