worldliness

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun the quality or character of being intellectually sophisticated and worldly through cultivation or experience or disillusionment
  2. noun concern with worldly affairs to the neglect of spiritual needs

Etymology

From Middle English worldlynesse, equivalent to worldly + -ness. Compare West Frisian wrâldlikens (“worldliness”), German Weltlichkeit (“worldliness”), Swedish världslighet (“worldliness”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

sophistication, mundaneness, mundanity

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