The phrase "worldly good" refers to material possessions and wealth acquired during one's lifetime. It is spelled using the IPA phonetic transcription as /ˈwɔːldli ɡʊd/. The first syllable "world" is pronounced with the vowel sound /ɔː/ as in "core", and the second syllable "ly" is pronounced with the vowel sound /iː/ as in "tree". The following word "good" is pronounced with a short vowel sound /ʊ/ as in "foot". This spelling accurately represents the pronunciation of the phrase in English.
Worldly goods, also known as worldly possessions or material possessions, refer to tangible or intangible assets or resources that hold value and are associated with material wealth and comfort. These goods are typically acquired or possessed by individuals, households, or organizations for their personal enjoyment, satisfaction, or well-being.
The term "worldly" indicates a focus on the material world, as opposed to spiritual or other non-material realms. "Good" refers to anything that is beneficial, desirable, or valuable. Therefore, worldly goods encompass a wide range of items such as money, property, possessions, wealth, assets, and personal belongings that contribute to a person's quality of life, status, or social standing.
Worldly goods can have different levels of importance or significance depending on cultural, social, and individual contexts. They can represent both basic necessities required for survival, such as food and shelter, and luxuries that enhance comfort and leisure, such as expensive jewelry or vehicles.
In various religious or philosophical traditions, worldly goods are often contrasted with spiritual or moral values, highlighting the potential pitfalls of excessive materialistic pursuits or attachment to possessions. The notion of worldly goods also underpins discussions about poverty, inequality, and the distribution of wealth within societies.
Overall, the concept of worldly goods captures the material aspects of human existence and the diverse array of resources that contribute to an individual's material well-being and lifestyle.
The etymology of the phrase "worldly good" is composed of two separate words: "worldly" and "good".
1. Worldly: The word "worldly" originated from the Old English word "woruldlic", which means "of or pertaining to the world" or "pertaining to temporal affairs". It is a compound of "woruld" (world) and "-lic" (forming adjectives). Over time, "woruldlic" evolved into "worldly" in Middle English, retaining a similar meaning.
2. Good: The word "good" can be traced back to the Old English word "gōd", which meant "fit, suitable, excellent", among other related meanings. This word is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*gōda", which carries a similar meaning.