worldly-wise
Americanadjective
Etymology
Origin of worldly-wise
Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Consider the worldly wise opening of “Melisande,” by E. Nesbit.
From Washington Post • Dec. 26, 2018
Because, after all, Emily is just 16, worldly wise in many ways but uncertain about how to express her feelings for Nick.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 16, 2017
He said a "worldly wise" 13-year-old may be fine to look after themselves after school until their parents get home, while there are 15-year-olds who "couldn't reasonably be left for more than a few minutes".
From BBC • Mar. 14, 2016
Peake plays the worldly wise Alice Aisgill in a subtle new adaptation of John Braine's Room at the Top.
From The Guardian • Apr. 9, 2011
If Guilford Duncan had been a little more worldly wise than he was, he would have gone at once to Captain Will Hallam.
From A Captain in the Ranks A Romance of Affairs by Eggleston, George Cary
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
