The word "earthly" is spelled with three syllables: /ˈɜːθli/. The first syllable is pronounced with the vowel sound of "er" as in "her". The second syllable contains the consonant cluster "th" followed by the short vowel sound of "e" as in "bed". The final syllable has the long vowel sound of "ee" as in "see". This word means "relating to or existing on the earth", and its spelling follows the rules of English phonetics where letters can have multiple sounds depending on their position in a word.
The term "earthly" serves as an adjective with multiple connotations. This word typically refers to something related to or originating from the Earth, the planet upon which humans reside. It denotes a connection to the physical realm rather than the spiritual or celestial spheres.
In a literal sense, "earthly" pertains to things that exist on or are associated with Earth, such as earthly elements like rocks, soil, or minerals. It can also describe characteristics or qualities attributed to the Earth or common earthly experiences, like the cycles of nature, the changing seasons, or the feeling of being grounded.
Moreover, "earthly" is frequently employed within a figurative context. It signifies matters that are mundane, material, or worldly as opposed to transcendent or divine. For instance, earthly pursuits refer to activities centered around personal interests, ambitions, or gratifications rather than higher or spiritual aspirations. In this context, the word implies a distinction between the physical, temporal realm and any hypothetical afterlife or celestial realms.
Furthermore, when describing individuals, "earthly" may denote someone who is practical, realistic, or pragmatic, prioritizing tangible objectives rather than abstract ideals. This characteristic suggests a focus on the here and now, engaging with the real world and its challenges, rather than indulging in whimsical or speculative notions.
Overall, "earthly" encompasses a range of meanings depending on the context, encompassing the terrestrial, material, practical, and non-spiritual aspects of the world we inhabit.
Pert. to this world; gross.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "earthly" is derived from the Old English word "eorþlīc" which combines "eorþe" (earth) and "līc" (like). The term "eorþlīc" originally meant "belonging to earth" or "pertaining to the world". Over time, it evolved into "earthly" in modern English.