Sublunary
[sub-LOO-nə-ree]
Part of speech: adjective
Origin: Latin, 16th century
1.
Belonging to this world as contrasted with a better or more spiritual one.
Examples of Sublunary in a sentence
"I have a pretty regular practice, but some days my mind is occupied with sublunary thoughts, and I can’t settle into my morning meditation."
"Nina appreciated the summer landscaping job and the time to sink into the sublunary experiences of being outside and working with her hands."
About Sublunary
“Sublunary” is based on the Latin “sublunaris,” which combines the prefix “sub-,” meaning “beneath,” and “lunary,” meaning “of the moon.”
Did you Know?
Because “sublunary” refers to the often mundane circumstances of the material world, it’s a term that can be used to dismiss concerns as insufficiently lofty. Compared with the great questions of life, death, and philosophy, wondering about the fastest commute to work or what to make for dinner may seem simply sublunary. Yet “sublunary” can also cut through high-brow conversation and focus on the subjects that matter in the moment. For example, “The city council asked speakers to limit philosophical discussions so they could quickly get to the sublunary concerns shared by residents.”
