earthly

[urth-lee]

adjective

earthlier, earthliest 

1. of or relating to the earth, especially as opposed to heaven; worldly.

   Synonyms: mortal, temporal, secular
   Antonyms: divine, spiritual

2. possible or conceivable.

   an invention of no earthly use to anyone.

earthly

/ ˈɜːθlɪ /

adjective

1. of or characteristic of the earth as opposed to heaven; material or materialistic; worldly

2. informal,  (usually used with a negative) conceivable or possible; feasible (in such phrases as not an earthly ( chance ), etc)

Other Word Forms

• earthliness noun
• superearthly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of earthly¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English erth(e)ly, Old English eorthlīc. See earth, -ly

Synonym Study

Earthly, terrestrial, worldly, mundane refer to that which is concerned with the earth literally or figuratively. Earthly now almost always implies a contrast to that which is heavenly: earthly pleasures; our earthly home. Terrestrial, from Latin, is the dignified equivalent of earthly, and it applies to the earth as a planet or to the land as opposed to the water: the terrestrial globe; terrestrial areas. Worldly is commonly used in the sense of being devoted to the vanities, cares, advantages, or gains of this present life to the exclusion of spiritual interests or the life to come: worldly success; worldly standards. Mundane, from Latin, is a formal equivalent of worldly and suggests that which is bound to the earth, is not exalted, and therefore is commonplace: mundane pursuits.

Example Sentences

The barrenness and isolation of the landscape are reflected in Lawrence’s performance, which is why her earthly physicality is so well-matched for the film.

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California, described by one observer in the late 19th century as “the Jews’ earthly paradise” for the economic and social promise it held, seems to have become newly hostile to Jewish people in recent years.

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Stamina is what’s required of those born into an earthly reality, for which, to quote mordant Beckett, there is no cure.

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One holy place is known for aiding in a more earthly endeavor: securing a visa to go overseas.

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A xenomorph inches close enough for the crab to raise its claws in defense before backing away from its tiny earthly cousin.

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Related Words

• carnal 
• mundane 
• physical 
• temporal 
• terrestrial 
• worldly