worldly goods

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worldly goods

He carefully packed his worldly goods into sturdy cardboard boxes.

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)
worldly goods

He carefully packed his worldly goods into sturdy cardboard boxes.

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