worldly possession
A traveler carefully packs his few worldly possessions into a worn leather satchel.
Noun: A worldly possession is a material object or tangible asset that a person owns. It refers specifically to items associated with physical, earthly life, as opposed to spiritual or intangible values. These are things that can be acquired, used, and lost within one's lifetime.
The term is used to discuss material goods, often in contexts contrasting physical wealth with spiritual or non-material well-being. It emphasizes the transient and physical nature of the items.
Examples: - After the fire, he lost all his worldly possessions. - She believed that focusing on worldly possessions distracted from inner peace. - His only worldly possession of value was a small gold ring.
- The phrase often appears in the plural form "worldly possessions" to encompass all of a person's material goods.
- It is frequently used in philosophical, religious, or reflective contexts to highlight the temporary nature of material wealth.
- Possession (n): The state of having or owning something. A thing that is owned.
- Worldly goods (n phrase): A near-identical phrase meaning material belongings.
- Chattel (n): (Legal) An item of tangible, movable property. This is a more formal and legalistic synonym.
- Material goods
- Tangible assets
- Earthly goods
- Property (in the sense of owned things)
- Worldly wealth: Focuses more on the monetary value or abundance of possessions.
- Temporal goods: A more formal, often religious term, emphasizing the temporary (as opposed to eternal) nature of these items.
The term inherently carries a connotation of contrast. Its meaning is fully realized when opposed to concepts like "spiritual wealth," "inner happiness," or "eternal salvation." It underscores the idea that such possessions are confined to the physical world.
A traveler carefully packs his few worldly possessions into a worn leather satchel.
- a commodity or good associated with the earthly, rather than the spiritual, existence of human beings