man of the world

noun

1. a man who is widely experienced in the ways of the world and people; an urbane, sophisticated man.

Word History and Origins

Origin of man of the world¹

Middle English word dating back to 1300–50

Idioms and Phrases

Also, woman of the world . A sophisticated person, experienced in social conventions. For example, You can discuss anything with him—he's a man of the world , or She's a woman of the world and understands these delicate issues . The first expression dates from about 1200 and originally meant “a man of the secular world” or “a married man” (that is, not a priest). Shakespeare applied this latter sense in As You Like It (5:3) where Audrey, at the prospect of marriage, says: “I hope it is no dishonest desire to be a woman of the world.” Henry Fielding in Tom Jones (1749) also echoed this earlier sense: “A man of the world; that is to say, a man who directs his conduct in this world as one, who being fully persuaded there is no other, is resolved to make the most of this.” By the mid-1800s the idea of sophistication had replaced this meaning.

Example Sentences

“This one, it’s definitely like, ‘Title of fastest man of the world.

From Washington Times

While China was seen as the sick man of the world then, some commentators in China now attempt to brand the United States with that label.

From New York Times

Darren wants to be thought of as a sophisticated man of the world.

From Washington Post

“I can’t be racist. I cannot be a Flemish nationalist. I cannot be a Belgian nationalist. I am a man of the world,” he told Reuters.

From Reuters

Victor is a man of the world and understands he's nobody's fool.

From Salon