wOrLd

The word world has several related senses. It most often denotes Earth—the planet and its ecosystems—but can also refer to the entire cosmos or to the realm of human society and experience. In everyday usage, phrases like “the world’s population,” “the world of finance,” or “the natural world” illustrate these senses.

Etymology: The term derives from Old English weorold/woruld, meaning the inhabited earth or human life. It is cognate with Dutch wereld and German Welt and traces back to Proto-Germanic and ultimately Proto-Indo-European roots.

In science: Earth is the third planet from the Sun and a rocky world with an atmosphere and hydrosphere that sustain life. In broader astronomical usage, “world” can also refer to a planetary body or to an imaginary or discovered exoplanet considered as a separate world.

In social and cultural contexts: World denotes human society and its institutions—political, economic, linguistic, and cultural systems. The terms world economy, world culture, and world music reflect the globalization of these domains.

Philosophy and religion: The distinction between the world and transcendent or spiritual realms appears in many traditions, where “this world” contrasts with afterlife or higher realities. Some uses treat “worlds” as coexisting or alternative ontologies.

Contemporary use: A world perspective emphasizes interconnectedness and shared challenges such as climate change, migration, and conflicts, guiding international cooperation while acknowledging cultural diversity.