'worldly' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'woruldlic,' where 'woruld' meant 'world' and '-lic' meant 'like or pertaining to.'

'woruldlic' transformed into the Middle English word 'worldlich,' and eventually became the modern English word 'worldly.'

Initially, it meant 'pertaining to the world,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'materialistic' and 'experienced in worldly matters.'