In the world
adverb
Exaggerating and emphasizing something.
Why in the world would he do something like that?
Often appears as...
- why in the world
- what in the world
Usage tips
Colloquial
adverb
In all parts of the world.
Coca-Cola is known and sold all around in the world.
Often appears as...
- known in the world
- recognized in the world
adverb
Used to express confusion or surprise.
How in the world did you think of that?
Often appears as...
- who in the world
- where in the world
Usage tips
Colloquial
adverb
To compare the subject with other things from all over the world.
He is the best player in the world.
Often appears as...
- best in the world
- worst in the world
adverb
Referring to the life that we live on earth.
Not in this world or the next would I ever betray you.
Often appears as...
- in the next world
- not in this world
Usage tips
Literary
adverb
Exaggerating and emphasizing something.
Why in the world would he do something like that?
Often appears as...
- why in the world
- what in the world
Usage tips
Colloquial
adverb
In all parts of the world.
Coca-Cola is known and sold all around in the world.
Often appears as...
- known in the world
- recognized in the world
adverb
Used to express confusion or surprise.
How in the world did you think of that?
Often appears as...
- who in the world
- where in the world
Usage tips
Colloquial
adverb
To compare the subject with other things from all over the world.
He is the best player in the world.
Often appears as...
- best in the world
- worst in the world
adverb
Referring to the life that we live on earth.
Not in this world or the next would I ever betray you.
Often appears as...
- in the next world
- not in this world
Usage tips
Literary
Definition 1 of 5
Pro Tip 1/3Emphasis on Confusion
Used to stress how baffling or unexpected a situation is.
How in the world did you solve that puzzle so quickly?
Pro Tip 2/3Rhetorical Question
Often paired with rhetorical questions where the answer is not expected.
What in the world were you thinking, jumping into the pool with your clothes on?
Pro Tip 3/3Conveys Astonishment
Highlights the speaker's amazement or disbelief.
Why in the world is this cat following us everywhere?
Pro Tip 1/3Emphasis on Confusion
Used to stress how baffling or unexpected a situation is.
How in the world did you solve that puzzle so quickly?
Pro Tip 2/3Rhetorical Question
Often paired with rhetorical questions where the answer is not expected.
What in the world were you thinking, jumping into the pool with your clothes on?
Pro Tip 3/3Conveys Astonishment
Highlights the speaker's amazement or disbelief.
Why in the world is this cat following us everywhere?
Pro Tip 1/3Emphasis on Confusion
Used to stress how baffling or unexpected a situation is.
How in the world did you solve that puzzle so quickly?
Pro Tip 2/3Rhetorical Question
Often paired with rhetorical questions where the answer is not expected.
What in the world were you thinking, jumping into the pool with your clothes on?
Pro Tip 3/3Conveys Astonishment
Highlights the speaker's amazement or disbelief.
Why in the world is this cat following us everywhere?
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