Worldly-wise — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈwərl(d)-lē-ˌwīz/ world·ly-wise

Meaning & Definition of Worldly-wise

Worldly-wise (adjective)

  1. possessing a practical and often shrewd understanding of human affairs, worldly

Worldly-wise (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. having a wide and refined knowledge of the world especially from personal experience

    "her long career as a globe-trotting journalist has made her very worldly-wise"

    similar: cosmopolitan, smart, sophisticated, worldly
    related: suave, urbane, civilized, cultivated, cultured, polished, refined, experienced, knowing, practiced, schooled, seasoned, bored, cynical, jaded, skeptical, down-to-earth, pragmatic, realistic, sober
    opposite: guileless, ingenuous, innocent, naive, unsophisticated, untutored, unworldly, wide-eyed
    near: callow, green, inexperienced, raw, parochial, provincial, rustic, philistine, uncivilized, uncultured, unrefined, childlike, simple, simpleminded, idealistic, impractical, uncritical, unknowing

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Worldly-wise

The most common words with a similar meaning to Worldly-wise:

cosmopolitan, smart, sophisticated, worldly

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Worldly-wise

Words with the opposite meaning of Worldly-wise:

guileless, ingenuous, innocent, naive, unsophisticated, untutored, unworldly, wide-eyed

Related Words for Worldly-wise

suave, urbane, civilized, cultivated, cultured, polished, refined, experienced, knowing, practiced, schooled, seasoned, bored, cynical, jaded, skeptical, down-to-earth, pragmatic, realistic, sober

Near Antonyms of Worldly-wise

callow, green, inexperienced, raw, parochial, provincial, rustic, philistine, uncivilized, uncultured, unrefined, childlike, simple, simpleminded, idealistic, impractical, uncritical, unknowing

Origin & Etymology of Worldly-wise

First known use: 15th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Worldly-wise

What does "Worldly-wise" mean?

"Worldly-wise" means possessing a practical and often shrewd understanding of human affairs, worldly. As an adjective, it is defined as: possessing a practical and often shrewd understanding of human affairs, worldly.

What is another word for "Worldly-wise"?

Other words for "Worldly-wise" include cosmopolitan, smart, sophisticated and worldly. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Worldly-wise" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Worldly-wise"?

There are 24 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Worldly-wise". Common alternatives include cosmopolitan, smart, sophisticated and worldly.

What is the opposite of "Worldly-wise"?

Antonyms of "Worldly-wise" include guileless, ingenuous, innocent, naive, unsophisticated, untutored, unworldly and wide-eyed. Near antonyms include callow, green, inexperienced and raw.

How do you use "Worldly-wise" in a sentence?

Examples of "Worldly-wise" in a sentence: "her long career as a globe-trotting journalist has made her very worldly-wise".

Is "Worldly-wise" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Worldly-wise" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Worldly-wise"?

"Worldly-wise" is pronounced /ˈwərl(d)-lē-ˌwīz/ and divided into syllables as world·ly-wise.

What is the origin of the word "Worldly-wise"?

First known use: 15th century.