worldly possessions

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worldly possessions

He carefully packed his few worldly possessions into a small suitcase.

Definition

Noun PhraseMaterial property or belongings owned by a person, especially those considered tangible and of secular, rather than spiritual, value. It refers to the entirety of one's physical assets and goods.

Usage

This phrase is used to refer to the complete collection of a person's material belongings. It often carries a connotation of transience or lack of spiritual significance, contrasting with intangible or eternal values. * He renounced all his worldly possessions to live a monastic life. * In her will, she distributed her worldly possessions among various charities. * The fire destroyed not just his home but nearly all his worldly possessions.

Advanced Usage
  • The phrase is often used in legal, religious, or philosophical contexts to discuss the nature of ownership, materialism, or inheritance.
  • It can be used somewhat ironically or humorously to refer to a modest collection of belongings.
    • After the move, my entire worldly possessions fit into the back of a small van.
Variants and Related Words
  • Worldly goods: A direct synonym, identical in meaning and usage.
  • Possessions (n.): The more common and general term for things that are owned, without the "worldly" modifier.
  • Effects (n.): Often used in legal contexts (e.g., "personal effects") to mean personal belongings.
  • Chattels (n.): A formal or legal term for movable personal property.
Synonyms
  • Belongings
  • Property
  • Assets (though this often includes intangible items like stocks)
  • Estate (in the context of what is left after a person's death)
  • Things
  • Stuff (informal)
Antonyms
  • Spiritual wealth
  • Inner riches
  • Intangible assets (e.g., knowledge, love, happiness)
Related Idioms and Phrases
  • You can't take it with you: An idiom meaning that material possessions cannot be taken into the afterlife, emphasizing their temporary nature. This idiom directly relates to the concept of "worldly possessions."
    • He finally stopped hoarding money, realizing you can't take it with you.
worldly possessions

He carefully packed his few worldly possessions into a small suitcase.

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

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