profane
pruh-FAYN
/prəˈfeɪn/
Relating to that which is not biblical, sacred, or biblical; secular; or showing disrespect for sacred things.
Can be neutral in formal sociology (meaning 'ordinary/secular' as opposed to sacred) or negative in general speech (meaning 'irreverent or vulgar').
The story behind the word. From Latin profanus, literally 'outside the temple' (pro = before/outside, fanum = temple). Anything standing outside the consecrated sanctuary was ordinary, unholy, or profane.
Word relationships
- secular: 'Secular' is completely neutral; 'profane' carries a sharper contrast with holy ground and can imply coarseness.
- irreverent: 'Irreverent' implies a lack of serious respect; 'profane' directly opposes sacred dignity.
- sacred: 'Sacred' means consecrated to God or venerated.
- holy: 'Holy' implies divine purity.
Commonly confused with
- profound: 'Profound' means deeply insightful or intense; 'profane' means non-sacred or irreverent.
Word family
- profanity (noun): Blasphemous or obscene language.
- profanely (adverb): In a profane or irreverent manner.
Collocations
- sacred and profane
- profane language
- profane world
- profane history
Example sentences
- "Émile Durkheim argued that all religious systems divide the universe into two fundamental categories: the sacred and the profane." Sociology of Religion (Émile Durkheim, The Elementary Forms of Religious Life)
- "The orchestra performed both sacred hymns and profane folk ballads during the town festival." Cultural History
Memory hook
PRO-FANE: Standing PRO (in front of) the FANUM (temple)—outside sacred ground. Outside the temple wall.
When not to use
Avoid using in casual conversation to mean simple swear words unless in a formal linguistic context.
Fun facts
- In classical Rome, performing unholy acts on consecrated temple grounds was punished severe legally because it violated the 'pax deorum' (peace of the gods).
Related words
Explore more words
secular, profligate, anticlerical, reprobate, devout, nefarious
Also appears in
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