Dictionary
worldly–wise
adjective world·ly–wise \ˈwərl(d)-lē-ˌwīz\
: having or showing a lot of experience and knowledge about life and the world
Full Definition of WORLDLY-WISE
: possessing a practical and often shrewd understanding of human affairs
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First Known Use of WORLDLY-WISE
15th century
Related to WORLDLY-WISE
- Synonyms
- cosmopolitan, smart, sophisticated, worldly
Synonym Discussion of WORLDLY-WISE
sophisticated, worldly-wise, blasé mean experienced in the ways of the world. sophisticated often implies refinement, urbanity, cleverness, and cultivation <guests at her salon were usually rich and sophisticated>. worldly-wise suggests a close and practical knowledge of the affairs and manners of society and an inclination toward materialism <a worldly-wise woman with a philosophy of personal independence>. blasé implies a lack of responsiveness to common joys as a result of a real or affected surfeit of experience and cultivation <blasé travelers who claimed to have been everywhere>.
WORLDLY-WISE Defined for Kids
worldly–wise
adjective world·ly–wise \ˈwərld-lē-ˌwīz\
Definition of WORLDLY-WISE for Kids
: aware of and having knowledge about the things and ways of this world
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