Impious: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe actions or people showing a lack of respect for religion or religious practices, often considered morally wrong.

• His impious comments during the sermon shocked the congregation
• The impious laughter of the crowd disrupted the solemn ceremony

Refers to someone who is indifferent or hostile to religion, often lacking religious beliefs or practices, without negative connotations.

• Though he was raised in a religious household, he grew up to be irreligious
• Her irreligious views made her an outlier in her devout family

Specifically refers to actions or behavior that mock or violate sacred religious traditions or objects, often seen as highly disrespectful.

• The act of vandalizing the church was seen as sacrilegious by the community
• Wearing a sacred robe as a costume was considered sacrilegious

Typically used to describe language, actions, or content that is disrespectful or vulgar, especially in a religious context.

• The movie was filled with profane language that was inappropriate for children
• His profane gestures were offensive to many in the crowd

Used to describe a lack of respect or reverence for religious practices or commonly respected beliefs.

• His impious behavior at the sacred site shocked the onlookers

Describes something that is not sacred or is morally wrong; it can sometimes carry a more dramatic connotation.

• The unholy rituals performed in the abandoned house scared the villagers

Refers to someone who does not believe in or worship any god; often used in a negative context by religious individuals.

• The godless lifestyle of the artist was a source of concern for his religious family

Applied when someone speaks offensively about sacred things, often used in a negative context.

• Calling the sacred texts a fairy tale was considered blasphemous by the community