Profanity: meaning, definitions and examples
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profanity
[ prəˈfanəti ]
inappropriate language
Profanity refers to language that is considered vulgar, offensive, or taboo in social contexts. It includes words or expressions that are considered disrespectful, obscene, or blasphemous.
Synonyms
cursing, obscenity, swearing, vulgarity.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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profanity |
Generally used to describe offensive or inappropriate language that shows disrespect towards something sacred or holy. Often used in formal or legal contexts.
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swearing |
Refers to the use of offensive words or phrases, often in moments of strong emotion like anger or frustration. Common in everyday speech but not in formal writing or situations.
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cursing |
Refers to the act of using curse words or invoking supernatural harm. Often used to describe intentionally offensive speech directed at someone or something.
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obscenity |
Describes language or material that is considered deeply offensive and morally repugnant, often involving explicit sexual content. Primarily used in legal, academic, or formal contexts.
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vulgarity |
Describes language or behavior that is crude, coarse, and lacking refinement, often involving explicit or offensive expressions. Common in casual conversations but inappropriate in formal settings.
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Examples of usage
- Using profanity is not allowed in this establishment.
- She was shocked by the profanity he used during the argument.
- The comedian's routine was filled with profanity.
- He was reprimanded for his profanity-laden speech.
- The profanity in the movie caused controversy among viewers.
blasphemous language
Profanity can also refer to language that is disrespectful or irreverent towards religious beliefs or sacred things. It may involve cursing, swearing, or using offensive language in a religious context.
Synonyms
desecration, impiety, irreverence, sacrilege.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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profanity |
Profanity refers to offensive or vulgar language, often used in moments of anger or frustration.
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irreverence |
Irreverence refers to a lack of respect for people or things that are generally taken seriously, not necessarily limited to religion.
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sacrilege |
Sacrilege is a serious act of disrespect towards something considered sacred, often involving physical acts like vandalism.
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impiety |
Impiety describes a lack of respect for religious practices or beliefs. It often implies a serious moral or spiritual failing.
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desecration |
Desecration means the act of disrespecting or damaging something sacred or holy, such as a religious site.
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Examples of usage
- She was offended by the profanity directed at her religion.
- The book was criticized for its use of profanity towards religious figures.
- The protesters shouted profanity at the church members.
- His profanity towards the sacred text shocked many.
- The film was banned for its profanity towards religious symbols.
Translations
Translations of the word "profanity" in other languages:
🇵🇹 profanidade
- obscenidade
- palavrão
🇮🇳 अश्लीलता
- गाली
- अपशब्द
🇩🇪 Obszönität
- Schimpfwort
- Fluch
🇮🇩 kekurangajaran
- kata kasar
- sumpah serapah
🇺🇦 непристойність
- лайка
- грубість
🇵🇱 wulgaryzm
- przekleństwo
- nieprzyzwoitość
🇯🇵 冒涜
- 下品な言葉
- 悪口
🇫🇷 profanité
- obscénité
- gros mot
🇪🇸 profanidad
- obscenidad
- palabrota
🇹🇷 küfür
- müstehcenlik
- argo
🇰🇷 불경
- 외설
- 욕설
🇸🇦 تدنيس
- فحش
- شتيمة
🇨🇿 sprostota
- nadávka
- vulgarita
🇸🇰 sprostosť
- nadávka
- vulgarita
🇨🇳 亵渎
- 淫秽
- 脏话
🇸🇮 profane
- nespodobnost
- kletvica
🇮🇸 guðlast
- klám
- blótsyrði
🇰🇿 қасиеттілік
- балағат сөз
- боқтық
🇬🇪 სიწმინდე
- შეურაცხმყოფელი სიტყვა
- გინება
🇦🇿 lənət
- söyüş
- təhqir
🇲🇽 profanidad
- obscenidad
- grosería
Etymology
The word 'profanity' originated in the late 15th century from the Latin word 'profanitas', meaning 'irreverence for sacred things'. Over time, it has evolved to encompass vulgar or offensive language in general social contexts as well. The concept of profanity has been a subject of debate and regulation in various cultures and societies throughout history.
See also: profaneness.
Word Frequency Rank
Positioned at #22,856, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.
- ...
- 22853 libertarian
- 22854 mutated
- 22855 shrewdly
- 22856 profanity
- 22857 dram
- 22858 eunuch
- 22859 brainstorming
- ...