Definition

Noun (plural) * Material possessions; all the tangible property and wealth that a person owns. This term refers to the physical, often valuable, items that constitute a person's estate or belongings, as opposed to spiritual or intangible assets.

Usage

• The phrase "worldly goods" is a fixed expression, almost always used in its plural form.
• It is often used in legal, literary, or formal contexts, particularly when discussing inheritance, charity, or a person's material legacy.
• It carries a slight connotation of transience, implying these are the possessions one accumulates during one's life on earth.

Examples

• In his will, the philanthropist donated all his worldly goods to various charities.
• After the fire, the family lost not just their home but most of their worldly goods.
• The monk renounced all worldly goods when he took his vows of poverty.

Advanced Usage

• "To be stripped of one's worldly goods": To have one's property and possessions taken away, often by force or legal action.
  • The corrupt official was stripped of his titles and his worldly goods.

Variants and Related Words

• Worldly possessions: A direct synonym, identical in meaning and usage.
• Assets: A more general and neutral financial/legal term for things of value owned by a person or company.
• Chattels (legal term): An older term for movable personal property.
• Estate: The total property, both real and personal, owned by an individual prior to distribution by will or inheritance.

Synonyms

• Belongings
• Property
• Possessions
• Effects
• Movables

Antonyms

• Spiritual wealth
• Inner riches
• Intangible assets (e.g., knowledge, love, faith)

Noun

1. all the property that someone possess
   • he left all his worldly possessions to his daughter