Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Impiety Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ˜ก
Add to dictionary

impiety

[ษชmหˆpaษชษชti ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

lack of respect

Impiety is the lack of respect or reverence, especially for a god or sacred things. It is the absence of piety or dutifulness.

Synonyms

blasphemy, irreverence, sacrilege.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
impiety

Impiety is used to describe a general lack of respect toward religious practices or beliefs. It is more generic and less intense than 'blasphemy' or 'sacrilege'.

  • His impiety was evident when he refused to participate in the prayer session.
  • The writer's impiety in his essays drew criticism from religious groups.
irreverence

Irreverence pertains to a lack of reverence or deep respect, especially towards traditions and established norms, not necessarily religious ones. It's often used in a lighter, sometimes even humorous, context.

  • His irreverence for traditional customs made him unpopular among the elders.
  • The comedian's irreverence towards serious topics can be both refreshing and shocking.
sacrilege

Sacrilege denotes the violation or misuse of something that is considered sacred. This term is often reserved for more extreme instances of disrespect.

  • The act of vandalizing the church was considered a sacrilege by the community.
  • Wearing shoes inside the temple is seen as a sacrilege in some cultures.
blasphemy

Blasphemy refers to the act of showing disrespect or speaking offensively about sacred things, often in a way that is deeply offensive to those who hold such beliefs. It carries a strong negative connotation.

  • The artist was accused of blasphemy for his controversial depiction of religious figures.
  • In some countries, blasphemy is a crime punishable by law.

Examples of usage

  • His impiety towards the gods angered the priests.
  • She was accused of impiety for defacing the religious statues.
  • The impiety of his actions shocked the community.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Religion

  • Many religions view impiety as a serious offense, as it can undermine the foundations of faith and community.
  • Certain texts from various religions mention impiety as a moral failing that leads to negative consequences for individuals and society.

Literature

  • Writers throughout history, like Dostoevsky, have explored themes of impiety in their works, contrasting it with faith and morality.
  • In Shakespeareโ€™s plays, characters exhibiting impiety often face tragic outcomes, highlighting the tension between authority and individual belief.

Psychology

  • Studies show that feelings of impiety can sometimes arise from personal trauma or disillusionment with traditional belief systems.
  • People who experience impiety often grapple with inner conflict, balancing societal norms against personal truths.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In some cultures, acts of impiety can lead to social ostracism and loss of community status.
  • Different societies have various thresholds for what constitutes impiety, often shaped by their historical and social contexts.

Origin of 'impiety'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Latin 'impietas', meaning 'lack of piety' or 'unfilial', derived from 'pietas', which means duty and respect.
  • In Middle English, the word was used to describe someone who was irreverent or disrespectful toward religious traditions.

The word 'impiety' originates from the Latin word 'impietas', which means lack of reverence or dutifulness. In ancient Rome, impiety was considered a serious offense, often punishable by death. The concept of impiety has been present in various cultures and religions throughout history, highlighting the importance of respect and piety towards the divine.

See also: pious.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,151, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.