Transcription
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- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- UK Pronunciation
- UK IPA
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- [wurld-lee wahyz]
- /ˈwɜrld li waɪz/
- /ˈwɜːld.li waɪz/
-
- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
-
- [wurld-lee wahyz]
- /ˈwɜrld li waɪz/
Definitions of worldly-wise word
- adjective worldly-wise wise as to the affairs of this world. 1
- adjective worldly-wise If you describe someone as worldly-wise, you mean they are experienced and know about the practical or social aspects of life, and are not easily shocked or impressed. 1
- adjective worldly-wise understanding the world and therefore difficult to shock or deceive 1
- adjective worldly-wise wise in the ways or affairs of the world; sophisticated 0
Information block about the term
Origin of worldly-wise
First appearance:
before 1350 One of the 20% oldest English words
Middle English word dating back to 1350-1400
Historical Comparancy
Parts of speech for Worldly-wise
noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation
worldly-wise popularity
A pretty common term. Usually people know it’s meaning, but prefer to use a more spread out synonym. About 31% of English native speakers know the meaning and use word.
According to our data about 70% of words is more used. This is a rare but used term. It occurs in the pages of specialized literature and in the speech of educated people.
Synonyms for worldly-wise
adj worldly-wise
- been around — in a circle, ring, or the like; so as to surround a person, group, thing, etc.: The crowd gathered around.
- canny — A canny person is clever and able to think quickly. You can also describe a person's behaviour as canny.
- clear-sighted — If you describe someone as clear-sighted, you admire them because they are able to understand situations well and to make sensible judgments and decisions about them.
- discreet — judicious in one's conduct or speech, especially with regard to respecting privacy or maintaining silence about something of a delicate nature; prudent; circumspect.
- disenchanted — to rid of or free from enchantment, illusion, credulity, etc.; disillusion: The harshness of everyday reality disenchanted him of his idealistic hopes.
adjective worldly-wise
- cosmopolitan — A cosmopolitan place or society is full of people from many different countries and cultures.
- experienced — Having knowledge or skill in a particular field, especially a profession or job, gained over a period of time.
- judicious — using or showing judgment as to action or practical expediency; discreet, prudent, or politic: judicious use of one's money.
- witting — knowing; aware; conscious.
See also
Matching words
- Words starting with w
- Words starting with wo
- Words starting with wor
- Words starting with worl
- Words starting with world
- Words starting with worldl
- Words starting with worldly
- Words starting with worldlyw
- Words starting with worldlywi
- Words starting with worldlywis
- Words starting with worldlywise