Partaking of the qualities of the physical world, corporeal, material; also, occurring or existing as a phenomenon or an object in the physical world.

(a) Linked or limited to the sphere of temporal human existence, existing only for the span of one’s earthly life, not eternal, temporal; of possessions, joys, honors, etc.: to be enjoyed only in this life; also, of a ruler or spouse: in the earthly realm, for this life; of a place: earthly, ?perishable [quot. ?a1450]; as noun: those things which are of this world, ephemeral things [quot. 1434]; (b) mortal; merely human; also, living, existing [perh. occas. confused with worthli adj.]; (c) arising naturally from the condition of temporality, consequent on the human condition; sinne of ~ sorwe, the deadly sin of tristitia, discontent with the natural state of human existence; (d) with diminished force in emphatic expressions: in or of the world.

(a) Related to secular human activities or concerns, belonging to the mundane world, the sphere of commerce, etc.; also, in regard to worldly affairs; (b) not belonging or pertaining to the religious life, secular as opposed to monastic; not in orders, lay; also, as noun: those who are secular [quot. c1230(?a1200)]; (c) caught up in or given over to secular human activities, attached to the world and worldly matters; also, learned or expert in nonreligious disciplines or pursuits; ~ wise, sophisticated in worldly matters, astute, worldly wise; also, as noun: learned or wise folk [quot. c1400(?a1387)].

Reflecting or embodying the temptations, pleasures, allure, etc. of this world, profane.