world

Everyday

1. The world is the Earth and everything on it: all countries and people. tree →
2. A world is a planet, especially one where living things might live. tree →
3. A world is a particular area of life or activity: the world of sport, the animal world. tree →
4. «World» can mean a lot: «It did me a world of good». tree →

In the lessons

In geography, the world is shown on a globe or a world map with seven continents and five oceans. In science, «the natural world» means nature; «other worlds» means planets. In everyday life, «around the world», «world record», «the best in the world». Phrases: «in the world» (adds strength: «What in the world?»), «out of this world» (wonderful), «mean the world to», «world of difference».

Examples

• There are about 200 countries in the world. tree →
• Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world. tree →
• Look at the world map on the wall. tree →
• She wants to travel around the world. tree →
• My dog means the world to me. tree →
• This cake is out of this world! tree →
• The world of insects is amazing. tree →
• He broke the world record. tree →
• You do not understand the world. tree →

Note

Usually «the world». Adjective: «worldwide». Do not confuse «world» with «word» — there is an «l». «World War» names two big wars of the 1900s.

In Jewish tradition

In the Torah and Sefer Yetzirah it can mean the whole creation, or the place where people live; "nether-world" is the realm of the dead.

Interpretation. In Sefer Yetzirah the three basics are World, Year and Person. Jewish tradition calls the world "olam", and says God made it with the Hebrew letters.

Examples

• For a fire is kindled in My nostril, and burneth unto the depths of the nether-world, and devoureth the earth with her produce, and setteth ablaze the foundations of the mountains. (Torah DEU.32.22, JPS 1917) tree →
• The twelve constellations in the world are: Aries, (Sefer Yetzirah, Kalisch 1877) tree →
• A sight for faithful witnesses to speak—World, Year, Person. (Sefer Yetzirah, Sefaria community translation) tree →
• Or who hath disposed the whole world? (Writings JOB.34.13, JPS 1917) tree →
• Deeper than the nether-world; what canst thou know? (Writings JOB.11.8, JPS 1917) tree →
• Shall I ransom them from the power of the nether-world? (Prophets HOS.13.14, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Usually «the world». Adjective: «worldwide». Do not confuse «world» with «word» — there is an «l». «World War» names two big wars of the 1900s.