profane

Profane is an adjective with two related meanings. In one sense it denotes what is not sacred or religiously dedicated, often referring to the secular or ordinary world. In religious studies, the term is used to distinguish the profane sphere from ritual or sacred domains. In everyday usage, it can also describe something worldly or mundane.

As a verb, profane means to desecrate or treat something regarded as holy with irreverence or contempt. Acts of profanation involve violation of sanctity, such as desecrating a sacred object or site. The noun form profanation refers to the act itself.

Etymology and scope: the word comes from Latin profanus “not sacred” via Old French profain. The root pro- “before” or “in front of” plus fanum “temple” has sometimes been interpreted as “outside the temple.”

Usage notes: “profane” can be neutral—as simply secular or non-religious—or pejorative when describing language or behavior that shows irreverence toward religion. The related noun “profanity” commonly refers to obscene or blasphemous language, while “sacrilege” designates a more specific violation of something sacred.

See also: profanity, sacred, secular, sacrilege, religion, anthropology.