World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesWorldly-wise
/ˌwɜːld.liˈwaɪz/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
Possessing practical understanding, experience, and knowledge of human affairs and the ways of the world rather than naive or idealistic.
"Her worldly-wise approach to negotiations allowed her to navigate the corporate politics with ease." - 2
Shrewd and sophisticated through wide experience of life.
"Despite his youth, he had a worldly-wise demeanor that commanded respect in international business circles."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Combining the Middle English noun 'worldly' (referring to earthly or material existence) with the adjective 'wise' (derived from Old English 'wīs', meaning knowledgeable or astute), this compound word emerged in the late 16th century. Historically, it evolved to describe individuals who possess practical knowledge of human nature and society rather than academic or spiritual wisdom.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Worldly-wise"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Worldly-wise" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
aguerris
Transliteration: aɡeʁi
"Son attitude aguerrie l'a aidé à survivre dans le milieu des affaires."
weltgewandt
Transliteration: ˈvɛltɡəˌvant
"Sein weltgewandtes Auftreten machte ihn in jedem Kreis beliebt."
scaltro
Transliteration: ˈskaltro
"Un uomo scaltro sa sempre come evitare le trappole burocratiche."
experimentado
Transliteration: eks.pe.ɾi.menˈta.ðo
"Su actitud experimentada le permitió resolver el conflicto con calma."
calejado
Transliteration: ka.leˈʒa.du
"Ele era um profissional calejado que não se deixava enganar facilmente."
दुनियादार
Transliteration: duniyadar
"वह एक दुनियादार इंसान है जो जीवन की सच्चाइयों को अच्छी तरह समझता है।"
饱经世故的
Transliteration: bǎo jīng shì gù de
"他那饱经世故的眼神看穿了所有的虚伪。"
세상물정에 밝은
Transliteration: sesangmuljeonge balgeun
"그는 세상물정에 밝은 태도로 어려운 협상을 성공시켰다."
世慣れた
Transliteration: yonareseta
"彼女の世慣れた対応はいつも周囲を感心させる。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all English termsA synthetic or artificial overlay or tip applied over the natural fingernail for cosmetic enhancement.
Small enough to be easily put into a pocket.
To inspect, read, or look through something in a casual, relaxed, or non-systematic way, specifically referring to navigating pages on the World Wide Web.
Explore Nuanced Synonyms for "Worldly-wise"
Discover exact matches, context-specific alternatives, and antonyms with intensity ratings in the VocabDictionary Thesaurus.
Enhance Your Writing & Grammar Precision
Linguistic Origins & Word Stories
View all stories →How Are Palisade Cells Adapted for Photosynthesis (and Why Are They Called 'Palisade')?
Palisade mesophyll cells are column-shaped, densely packed with chloroplasts, and positioned near the leaf's upper surface to maximize light absorption for photosynthesis. Their name comes from the French word for a defensive fence of wooden stakes, referencing their tightly aligned, upright cellular structure.
What is a SLOT SWOT Analysis and How Do You Actually Do One?
A SLOT SWOT analysis is an expanded strategic planning framework that blends personal or organizational 'SLOT' (Strengths, Limitations, Opportunities, Threats) metrics with traditional 'SWOT' dynamics. It provides a granular approach to evaluating internal capabilities against external market realities.