earthly

adjective

earth·​ly ˈərth-lē 

1

a

: characteristic of or belonging to this earth

b

: relating to the human race's actual life on this earth

2

: possible

of what earthly use is it?

earthliness noun

Synonyms

• carnal
• earthborn
• earthbound
• fleshly
• material
• mundane
• sublunary
• temporal
• terrene
• terrestrial
• worldly

Choose the Right Synonym for earthly

earthly, worldly, mundane mean belonging to or characteristic of the earth.

earthly often implies a contrast with what is heavenly or spiritual.

abandoned earthly concerns and entered a convent

worldly and mundane both imply a relation to the immediate concerns and activities of human beings, worldly suggesting tangible personal gain or gratification

worldly goods

and mundane suggesting reference to the immediate and practical.

a mundane discussion of finances

Examples of earthly in a Sentence

a sermon against our obsession with earthly pursuits

Recent Examples on the Web

And by the way, [Jesus’] mother was Jewish, his earthly father was Jewish. —Derek Scancarelli, Forbes, 13 Sep. 2024

From the homes of legendary kings to the earthly abodes of gods and monsters, civilizations have always dreamed of extraordinary places hiding in plain sight. —Shoshi Parks, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Sep. 2024

Seeing these materials adds context to Walter’s paintings, the bulk of which appear to represent earthly landscapes seen in Antigua and Europe. —Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 16 Aug. 2024

There’s also Dyson, which for more than 30 years has been working magic with small motors rather than 25-ton stone slabs, and dreaming up designs made for earthly, rather than spiritual, pursuits. —Samantha Conti, WWD, 15 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

earthly

adjective

earth·​ly ˈərth-lē 

1

: belonging to or having to do with the earth

earthly joys

2

: imaginable, possible

that tool is of no earthly use

earthliness noun