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Blasphemous Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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blasphemous

[ˈblæsfəməs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in religion or religious context

Blasphemous means sacrilegious or profane, showing disrespect or irreverence towards something considered sacred or holy.

Synonyms

irreverent, profane, sacrilegious.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
blasphemous

Use in situations where someone is showing disrespect or lack of reverence towards something sacred, especially in a religious context. This term often carries a serious and negative connotation.

  • His blasphemous remarks about the church shocked everyone.
  • Writing such a blasphemous article against the holy scriptures can cause outrage.
sacrilegious

Best used when describing an action that violates or shows disrespect to something sacred or religious. This term is highly negative and implies an act of desecration.

  • Her actions were considered sacrilegious by the religious community.
  • Vandalizing the temple was a sacrilegious act that shocked everyone.
profane

Use in contexts where someone is speaking or acting disrespectfully about something sacred or held in high esteem. This term carries a negative connotation and suggests a lack of respect.

  • Using profane language in the church is not acceptable.
  • He made several profane comments about the sacred rituals during the ceremony.
irreverent

Use when someone is showing a lack of respect in a casual or humorous way towards something generally respected or serious. This term can be playful or slightly negative but is less severe than 'blasphemous'.

  • His irreverent jokes about the president had everyone laughing.
  • The comedian's irreverent attitude towards politicians made her stand-up show very popular.

Examples of usage

  • He was punished for his blasphemous remarks about the church.
  • The artist's work was deemed blasphemous by some religious groups.
Context #2 | Adjective

general context

Blasphemous can also mean highly offensive or outrageous, especially in speech or behavior.

Synonyms

offensive, outrageous, shocking.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
blasphemous

This word is often used in religious or very respectful contexts where something is said or done that is deeply disrespectful towards sacred beliefs or deities.

  • His comment about the holy book was considered blasphemous by the community.
  • The artist's depiction of the church was seen as blasphemous.
offensive

This term is used in a general context when something causes someone to feel hurt, upset, or insulted. It doesn't have to involve religion.

  • Her remarks about his appearance were incredibly offensive.
  • The joke was in poor taste and very offensive to many listeners.
outrageous

This term is typically used to describe actions or behavior that are extremely unusual, shocking, or unacceptable. It can be used in both serious and casual situations.

  • The prices of the concert tickets were outrageous!
  • His outrageous behavior at the party caught everyone's attention.
shocking

This term is used in situations where something is highly surprising or disturbing, often eliciting a strong emotional reaction.

  • The news of the scandal was absolutely shocking.
  • Her sudden resignation was shocking to all her colleagues.

Examples of usage

  • Her jokes were considered blasphemous and caused quite a controversy.
  • The movie's portrayal of historical figures was seen as blasphemous by some viewers.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • Throughout history, many individuals have faced severe consequences, including persecution, for being labeled blasphemous.
  • In Medieval Europe, blasphemy was often punishable by death, illustrating the seriousness of the offense during that time.
  • The French Revolution was notable for its push against religious authority, leading to new perspectives on what might be considered blasphemous.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, words and images considered blasphemous can provoke significant backlash, reflecting the community's values and beliefs.
  • Artworks that challenge religious norms have sparked debates about freedom of expression and the limits of artistry.
  • Modern social movements often argue over what constitutes blasphemy, showing the evolving nature of this idea in contemporary discourse.

Literature

  • Classic works of literature often explore themes of blasphemy, such as Dante's 'Inferno' which punishes the blasphemous in its depiction of Hell.
  • Many poets and authors have used blasphemous imagery to criticize societal and religious norms, pushing boundaries for artistic expression.
  • Contemporary literature often tackles blasphemy as a means to discuss identity, belief, and societal constraints.

Psychology

  • Studies in psychology suggest that people react strongly to blasphemous statements due to their deep-seated beliefs and values.
  • Blasphemy can evoke powerful emotional responses, resulting in feelings of anger, shock, or even humor among different audiences.
  • Understanding what individuals find blasphemous can offer insights into cultural values and personal beliefs.

Origin of 'blasphemous'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Greek 'blasphemia,' meaning 'slander' or 'evil speaking.'
  • In Latin, it became 'blasphemia,' which also meant speaking ill of God or sacred things, reinforcing its religious roots.
  • The term has evolved over centuries to encompass not just religion but any form of deep disrespect.

The word 'blasphemous' originated from the Late Middle English term 'blasfemous', which in turn came from the Old French 'blasfemeux'. It has roots in the Latin word 'blasphemus', meaning 'impious'. The concept of blasphemy has been present in religious and social contexts for centuries, with acts or words considered blasphemous often facing severe consequences.

See also: blaspheme, blasphemer, blasphemy.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,752, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.