earthly
English
Etymology
From Middle English erthely, erthlich, ierðlich, from Old English eorþlīċ, corresponding to earth + -ly. Cognate with Old Norse jarðligr (“earthly”).
Pronunciation
- (UK) IPA(key): /ˈəːθli/
Audio (US) (file)
Adjective
earthly (comparative earthlier, superlative earthliest)
- Relating to the earth or this world, as opposed to heaven; terrestrial.
- earthly joys
- (Can we date this quote?) John Milton
- This earthly load / Of death, called life.
- (Can we date this quote?) Bible, Phil. iii. 19
- whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things
- (negative, informal) Used for emphasis
- (Can we date this quote?) Alexander Pope
- What earthly benefit can be the result?
- (Can we date this quote?) Alexander Pope
- (obsolete) Made of earth; earthy.
- (Can we find and add a quotation of Holland to this entry?)
Translations
as opposed to heaven
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See also
Noun
earthly (plural earthlies)
- (Britain, colloquial) A slightest chance (of success etc.) or idea (about something).
- 1974, GB Edwards, The Book of Ebenezer Le Page, New York 2007, p. 315:
- ‘Then I didn't have a chance when I stood you a drink?’ I said. ‘Not an earthly!’ she said and laughed; but when I left she kissed me good-night.
- 1974, GB Edwards, The Book of Ebenezer Le Page, New York 2007, p. 315:
Further reading
- earthly in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.
- earthly in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.
- earthly at OneLook Dictionary Search
- Oxford English Dictionary, 1884–1928, and First Supplement, 1933.
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