Wereldse

Wereldse is a Dutch adjective meaning worldly, secular, earthly, or mundane. It is used to describe things that pertain to the ordinary world rather than the sacred, spiritual, or heavenly realm. The term can refer to attitudes, values, or objects associated with this world, and it is often employed in contrasts with religious or ascetic connotations.

Etymology and form: Wereldse derives from the noun wereld (world) with the typical Dutch adjective ending. In attributive position before a noun that is introduced by a definite article or possessive determiner, the form Wereldse is used, for example de wereldse orde, het wereldse leven. The word can also appear in compounds or fixed expressions, always carrying the sense of relating to the world as opposed to the sacred.

Usage and nuance: In everyday language, wereldse describes secular matters, worldly interests, or non-spiritual concerns. The tone can be neutral or slightly judgmental, depending on context, particularly when discussing materialism or worldly ambitions versus spiritual ideals. Common collocations include wereldse zaken, wereldse verlangens, and wereldse normen.

Relation to other terms: Wereldse is closely related to wereldlijk, another Dutch term for secular or mundane. Its opposite is often hemels or spiritueel, referring to heavenly or spiritual matters. In Dutch literature and religious debate, wereldse is frequently used to emphasize the distinction between earthly concerns and transcendent or religious aims.

Overall, wereldse is a concise descriptor for anything related to the worldly dimension, used across philosophy, theology, journalism, and everyday speech to mark a secular or non-spiritual orientation.