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Impious Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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impious

[ɪmˈpaɪəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

behavior

not showing respect or reverence, especially for a god

Synonyms

irreligious, profane, sacrilegious.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
impious

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
irreligious

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
sacrilegious

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
profane

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

Examples of usage

  • His impious remarks about the church caused quite a scandal.
  • She was known for her impious behavior towards religious symbols.
  • The impious act of desecrating the temple angered the local community.
Context #2 | Adjective

morality

wicked, sinful, lacking religious or moral principles

Synonyms

blasphemous, godless, unholy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
impious

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
unholy

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
godless

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
blasphemous

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

Examples of usage

  • The impious ruler was feared by his subjects for his cruel ways.
  • His impious actions led to his downfall and eventual exile.
  • The impious decision to steal from the church was met with swift justice.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Often found in classical and religious texts to describe characters who defy divine authority.
  • Shakespeare used the term to portray characters lacking moral compass in plays like 'King Lear'.
  • Dante Alighieri condemned impious souls in 'The Divine Comedy', linking the word with punishment in the afterlife.

Cultural References

  • The term can characterize societal figures who challenge established religious norms, such as certain philosophers in the Enlightenment period.
  • In modern contexts, the word is sometimes used humorously to describe actions considered rebellious or unconventional.
  • Movies and books often depict 'impious' characters as antagonists who defy traditional morals.

Philosophy

  • Philosophical discussions often explore the concept of impiety in relation to moral obligation and theological beliefs.
  • It raises questions about the nature of good and evil and what constitutes proper conduct in society.
  • Critics of organized religion sometimes label certain practices or beliefs as impious to provoke discussion on morality.

Psychology

  • People may display impious behavior as a form of rebellion against societal norms or authority figures.
  • Studies indicate that perceptions of piety or impiety can vary significantly between cultures, influenced by upbringing and societal values.
  • It can impact social relationships, as those deemed impious might be ostracized or criticized by their communities.

Origin of 'impious'

Main points about word origin

  • Derived from the Latin 'impius', meaning 'not pious' or 'unreligious'.
  • The prefix 'im-' implies negation, indicating the opposite of being religious or virtuous.
  • The term has been used in various contexts, often in religious literature, dating back to the late Middle Ages.

The word 'impious' has its roots in Latin, derived from the combination of 'in-' (not) and 'pius' (pious). It first appeared in English in the 16th century, originally used to describe actions or beliefs that showed a lack of reverence towards gods or religious principles. Over time, 'impious' has come to be associated with behaviors that are morally wrong or wicked, reflecting a disregard for religious or moral values.

See also: piously, piousness.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,491, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.