blasphemy

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'blasphemy' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an act or comment seen as disrespectful or irreverent towards a particular religion, such as "The crowd was outraged by the singer's blasphemous lyrics".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

To Polish ears, the notion sounded like blasphemy.

The Guardian

However, scenes from the far larger demonstrations arranged by a coalition of 20 religious parties against the perceived blasphemy committed by Charlie Hebdo dominated coverage on Pakistan's rolling news channels.

The Guardian

Across the country protesters burned French flags and demanded an international law banning blasphemy against Islam.

The Guardian

There are some Muslim readers who automatically assume I must be some liberal heathen, who have accused me of "Islam bashing", blasphemy and changing Islam to "suit my whims" - when I've done no such thing.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Some said that they had heard she had committed blasphemy, that she had said something about religion.

The Guardian

This is where he began composing the book that would become known as Les Fleurs du Mal (The Flowers of Evil) – a compendium of poems on satanism, lesbianism, sex, death and revolt which would eventually be prosecuted on grounds of blasphemy on publication in 1857 (six of the poems remained banned until 1949).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Related: Rand Paul attacks Clinton and names the enemy of the US – 'radical Islam' Such moves are akin to blasphemy among the party's conservative factions.

The Guardian

After Haider's death, Bangladesh's hardline Islamist groups started to protest against other campaigning bloggers, accusing them of blasphemy and calling a series of nationwide strikes to demand their execution.

The Guardian

Citizens held vigils in cities around the country, including outside parliament in Islamabad, voicing demands that included the arrest of a notorious Taliban-sympathising mullah in the capital, the regulation of religious seminaries and the end of the misuse of Pakistan's much-criticised blasphemy laws.

The Guardian

It also blocked about a dozen websites and blogs to stem the furore over blasphemy, as well as stepping up security for the bloggers.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The anti-blasphemy bandwagon makes common cause with the Taliban.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing sensitive topics like religion, use "blasphemy" with precision. Ensure the context clearly indicates the specific religious beliefs being contravened and avoid generalizations that could be misinterpreted or cause offense.

Common error

Avoid using "blasphemy" metaphorically to describe actions disliked but not related to religious beliefs. For instance, calling a deviation from company policy "corporate blasphemy" can diminish the term's significance and be perceived as insensitive.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "blasphemy" is as a noun. It refers to the act of insulting or showing contempt for something considered sacred, often within a religious context. Ludwig provides examples where "blasphemy" is used to describe specific actions or expressions deemed irreverent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "blasphemy" functions as a noun denoting irreverence toward something sacred. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and notes its frequent use in contexts involving religious or cultural sensitivity. As the analysis shows, the term appears most commonly in news and media, indicating its relevance in public discourse. While precise in its definition, it is important to wield it carefully, recognizing its potential to offend. Remember to check the "sacrilege" and other synonyms as alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sacrilege

This alternative directly refers to the violation or profanation of something sacred.

desecration

This word emphasizes the act of stripping something of its sacred character.

profanation

Similar to desecration, this highlights the act of treating something sacred with disrespect.

irreverence

This term captures the lack of respect or veneration for something considered holy.

impiety

This denotes a lack of reverence for God or sacred things.

heresy

This term refers to a belief or opinion contrary to orthodox religious doctrine.

sacriligious act

This emphasizes the action taken that violates something sacred.

profane language

This relates to the use of language that shows disrespect for religious or sacred things.

mockery of the sacred

This phrase highlights the act of ridicule directed at something held as sacred.

disrespect for religious beliefs

This broadly describes the act of showing a lack of regard for religious convictions.

FAQs

How is "blasphemy" typically used in a sentence?

"Blasphemy" is often used to describe actions or statements that are considered disrespectful or irreverent towards religious figures or beliefs. For example, "The controversial artwork was condemned as "an act of blasphemy" by religious leaders".

What are some words similar in meaning to "blasphemy"?

Alternatives to "blasphemy" include "sacrilege", "desecration", "profanation", and "irreverence". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What distinguishes "blasphemy" from "heresy"?

"Blasphemy" involves showing contempt or irreverence toward something sacred, while "heresy" refers to holding beliefs that contradict established religious doctrines. Blasphemy is an act of disrespect, while heresy is a deviation in belief.

Are there legal consequences for "blasphemy"?

In some countries, "blasphemy" is a crime punishable by law. However, in many Western countries, laws against blasphemy have been repealed or are rarely enforced, prioritizing freedom of speech. The legal status of blasphemy varies widely across jurisdictions.