profane

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "profane" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe language or behavior that is disrespectful or obscene, often in a religious context. Example: "His use of profane language during the meeting shocked many of the attendees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was still Oasis, because it had that bickering pair of brothers with three vast eyebrows between them as its profane nucleus.

The Guardian - Music

She was roundly abused and Lord Carrington, the Economist and many others told her she was being profane.

The Guardian - Opinion

Grannies in Arbroath might not appreciate his profane language - on and off screen - but for a generation of younger Scots, Carlyle is something of a hero.

The Guardian - Film

Spero's art reached across centuries and cultures to construct a visual language that described how the world we inhabit and struggle with and against in our daily lives is, simultaneously, a world of myth, belief and history – of the sacred and the profane.

The Guardian - Arts

In Patrick Ward's "Poster Power" – printed just as Flower Power was waning in 1967 – there is no distinction between the sacred and the profane, the sublime and the tacky.

The Guardian

Based on interviews with more than 20 employees and former employees of Tribune, Mr. Michaels's and his executives' use of sexual innuendo, poisonous workplace banter and profane invective shocked and offended people throughout the company.

The New York Times

The automobile, the aeroplane, Are useful gadgets, but profane: The enginry of which I dream Is moved by water or by steam.

The Economist

In God we tussle Sacred or profane?

The Economist

What Eliot considered "the waste land" of modern life the deracination, impudence and profane materialism was mother's milk to Groucho.Read more.

The Economist

The firm, which will soon start building electric trucks in the Bronx, will also open a new site in Chicago.In this section News adventures So farewell then, FTD Windy cluster Fashion invasion Sleepless in Ahmedabad Honestly unvarnished Tablet teachers BlackBerry babes Bearing no gifts Draining mystery The great mismatch ReprintsMr Emanuel is as persuasive as he is profane.

The Economist

Sacred or profane, there is always more than meets the eye in the paintings of Diego Velázquez.Just how Velázquez learned his technique of smudging reality and illusion remains a mystery.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "profane" when you want to specifically highlight the irreverent or disrespectful treatment of something considered sacred or holy. It's stronger than simply 'vulgar' or 'offensive'.

Common error

Avoid using "profane" when you mean "profuse." "Profane" refers to something irreverent or blasphemous, while "profuse" means plentiful or abundant. For example, don't say "The garden was profane with flowers"; instead, say "The garden was profuse with flowers."

Linguistic Context

The word "profane" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something that is irreverent, disrespectful, or contemptuous toward sacred things or principles. As Ludwig AI suggests, it characterizes language, actions, or even attitudes. For example, "profane language" or "profane behavior".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "profane" is a versatile adjective primarily used to describe something irreverent or disrespectful towards sacred matters. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English writing. While often found in contexts related to religion, it extends to secular settings denoting general inappropriateness. Its frequency is very common and it shows up primarily in News & Media and Science contexts. The key is to differentiate it from similar words like "profuse" and ensure appropriate contextual usage, avoiding overuse in informal or casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

irreverent

Implies a lack of respect for things generally taken seriously, especially religious or sacred matters; less harsh than "profane".

blasphemous

Specifically refers to speech or actions that insult or show contempt for God or sacred things; carries a stronger religious connotation than "profane".

sacrilegious

Denotes violation or misuse of something sacred; similar to "profane" but with a narrower focus on religious objects or rituals.

impious

Characterized by a lack of reverence for God or sacred things; a more formal and literary alternative to "profane".

ungodly

Suggests wickedness or a lack of moral principles; broader in scope than "profane", encompassing general immorality.

indecent

Refers to behavior or language that is offensive to common standards of decency; less directly related to religious contexts than "profane".

vulgar

Implies a lack of refinement or good taste; focuses on the crudeness of language or behavior rather than religious desecration.

obscene

Describes something offensive or disgusting by accepted standards of morality; emphasizes the shocking or repulsive nature.

foul-mouthed

Specifically refers to someone who habitually uses offensive or vulgar language; focuses on the speaker's habits rather than the impact of the words.

cursing

Refers to the act of using offensive or blasphemous language; a more active and direct term than "profane".

FAQs

How is "profane" used in a sentence?

The word "profane" can be used to describe language, actions, or attitudes that show disrespect or contempt for sacred things. For example: "His "profane language" offended many in the audience."

What's the difference between "profane" and "sacrilegious"?

"Profane" generally means showing disrespect towards sacred things, while "sacrilegious" specifically refers to the violation or desecration of something considered sacred. Sacrilegious acts are often seen as "profane acts", but not all profane acts are sacrilegious.

What are some synonyms for "profane"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms like "irreverent", "blasphemous", "vulgar", or "sacrilegious" as alternatives for "profane".

Is "profane" always related to religion?

While "profane" is often used in a religious context to describe something that violates or disrespects sacred principles, it can also be used more broadly to describe something that is "secular", or non-religious in nature. It can refer to something that is considered inappropriate or offensive in a general sense.