The adjective earthly means relating to the earth or to life on earth. Earthly also means possible or conceivable.
The adjective earthy means resembling soil, or unrefined, natural, simple.
Examples:
- For many years Oliver lived without any hope of an earthly reward.
- What earthly reason could Lawrence have for killing Colonel Protheroe?
- Rain doesn't smell, but before a rain there may be a musty or earthy odor in the air.
- Agnes had blond hair, blue eyes, and an earthy sense of humor.
Practice:
(a) Chalk is a soft, fine-grained rock with an _____ texture.
(b) No one has yet shown that life of any kind other than _____ life exists in the cosmos.
