Phrase guide

in the world

prep_phrase · 4 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

prep_phrase

Meaning 1

An intensifier, often used after an interrogative word.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • What in the world was that?
  • Who in the world would want to do that?

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

prep_phrase

Meaning 2

Used for emphasis after a qualified noun.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • the happiest girl in the world

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: on the face of the earth

Antonyms: none provided

3

prep_phrase

Meaning 3

In this present age; here and now.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: lifestyle, religion

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

prep_phrase

Meaning 4

In this present age; here and now.

Characteristic of wider society; worldly.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: lifestyle, religion

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

16 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Chinese Mandarin: 到底 (dàodǐ) — used for emphasis after an interrogative
  • Chinese Mandarin: 究竟 (jiūjìng) — used for emphasis after an interrogative
  • Danish: i alverden — used for emphasis after an interrogative
  • Finnish: ihme (matches the case of mikä) — used for emphasis after an interrogative
  • Finnish: kumma — used for emphasis after an interrogative
  • French: au monde — used for emphasis after an interrogative
  • German: in aller Welt — used for emphasis after an interrogative
  • German: in Gottes Namen — used for emphasis after an interrogative
  • German: in Herrgotts Namen — used for emphasis after an interrogative
  • German: um Himmels willen — used for emphasis after an interrogative
  • Polish: na świecie — used for emphasis after an interrogative
  • Chinese Mandarin: 世界上 (shìjièshang) — used for emphasis together with a noun
  • Dutch: ter wereld — used for emphasis together with a noun
  • Finnish: maailman — used for emphasis together with a noun
  • Polish: na świecie — used for emphasis together with a noun
  • Spanish: del mundo — used for emphasis together with a noun