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
worldly-wise Synonyms
Synonyms
cosmopolitan, smart, sophisticated, worldlyAntonyms
guileless, ingenuous, innocent, naive (or naïve), unsophisticated, untutored, unworldly, wide-eyedRelated Words
suave, urbane; civilized, cultivated, cultured, polished, refined; experienced, knowing, practiced, schooled, seasoned; bored, cynical, jaded, skeptical; down-to-earth, pragmatic (also pragmatical), realistic, soberNear Antonyms
callow, green, inexperienced, raw; parochial, provincial, rustic (also rustical); philistine, uncivilized, uncultured, unrefined; childlike, simple, simpleminded; idealistic, impractical; uncritical, unknowingSynonym Discussion of worldly-wise
sophisticated, worldly-wise, blasé mean experienced in the ways of the world. sophisticated often implies refinement, urbanity, cleverness, and cultivation.
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- guests at her salon were usually rich and sophisticated
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- a worldly-wise woman with a philosophy of personal independence
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- blasé travelers who claimed to have been everywhere
WORLDLY-WISE Defined for English Language Learners
worldly-wise
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adjective
Definition of worldly-wise for English Language Learners
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: having or showing a lot of experience and knowledge about life and the world
WORLDLY-WISE Defined for Kids
worldly-wise
adjective
world·ly-wise
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ˈwərld-lē-ˌwīz
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Definition of worldly-wise for Students
:aware of and having knowledge about the things and ways of this world
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