“Earthy” vs. “Earthly”: What’s the Difference?

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The difference between “earthy” and “earthly”

  • "Earthy" describes qualities, characteristics, or elements associated with the earth, nature, or rusticity, while "earthly" refers to things related to the material, physical, or worldly aspects of existence.
  • "Earthy" often emphasizes a connection to nature, down-to-earth qualities, or sensory experiences that resemble or evoke the earth, while "earthly" emphasizes the worldly or material nature of something in contrast to the spiritual or celestial.
  • "Earthy" has a broader range of connotations, including naturalness, simplicity, and a physical connection to the earth, while "earthly" specifically refers to matters related to the earthly or material aspects of life and existence.
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What is the definition of “earthy” and “earthly”?

Earthy
  • "Earthy" is an adjective that describes something related to or characteristic of the earth, often associated with natural elements, rusticity, or a connection to nature.
  • It suggests qualities such as being down-to-earth, practical, unpretentious, or having a strong connection to the physical world.
  • "Earthy" can also refer to flavors, scents, or textures that resemble or evoke the earth or soil, such as the taste of certain vegetables or the aroma of freshly turned soil.
Earthly
  • "Earthly" is an adjective that pertains to the earthly or material world, as opposed to the spiritual or celestial realm.
  • It indicates something related to the physical existence, concerns, or limitations of life on earth, often contrasting with the divine or eternal.
  • "Earthly" can also imply a focus on practical, mundane matters rather than spiritual or abstract concepts.

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“Earthy” is the more popular variant on the web.
More popular
Earthy
71,500,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. The earthy aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the room.
  2. The farmer's market was filled with earthy vegetables and fruits.
  3. He wore an earthy-colored sweater that matched the autumn leaves.
Earthly
41,600,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. It is difficult to imagine the extent of human suffering in the earthly realm.
  2. Many people find comfort in their earthly possessions.
  3. The earthly beauty of the mountain range took their breath away.
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