Impiety: meaning, definitions and examples

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 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 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 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.