Profanity: meaning, definitions and examples

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profanity

 

[ prəˈfanəti ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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?

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Word Description / Examples
profanity

Generally used to describe offensive or inappropriate language that shows disrespect towards something sacred or holy. Often used in formal or legal contexts.

  • The movie received a higher rating due to its excessive profanity.
  • His use of profanity in a place of worship was deeply offensive to the congregation.
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.

  • He was swearing under his breath when he found his car had been towed.
  • Swearing during a job interview can leave a negative impression.
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.

  • After stubbing his toe, he started cursing loudly.
  • She was scolded for cursing at her colleagues during the meeting.
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.

  • The book was banned for its perceived obscenity.
  • The comedian's routines often include obscenity, which can be off-putting to some audiences.
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.

  • His vulgarity shocked everyone at the formal dinner.
  • The comedian's show was filled with vulgarity, making it unsuitable for younger audiences.

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.
Context #2 | Noun

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?

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Word Description / Examples
profanity

Profanity refers to offensive or vulgar language, often used in moments of anger or frustration.

  • He used a lot of profanity when his computer crashed.
  • Profanity is not allowed in the school premises.
irreverence

Irreverence refers to a lack of respect for people or things that are generally taken seriously, not necessarily limited to religion.

  • Her irreverence towards traditional customs made her unpopular with the elders.
  • The comedian’s irreverence was refreshing to some but offensive to others.
sacrilege

Sacrilege is a serious act of disrespect towards something considered sacred, often involving physical acts like vandalism.

  • Stealing from the temple was seen as a sacrilege by everyone in the town.
  • Knocking over the statue was considered an act of sacrilege.
impiety

Impiety describes a lack of respect for religious practices or beliefs. It often implies a serious moral or spiritual failing.

  • His impiety shocked the deeply religious community.
  • The novel discusses themes of impiety and redemption.
desecration

Desecration means the act of disrespecting or damaging something sacred or holy, such as a religious site.

  • The vandalism of the church was seen as a serious act of desecration.
  • Desecration of graves is a deeply offensive crime.

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

🇮🇳 अश्लीलता

🇩🇪 Obszönität

🇮🇩 kekurangajaran

🇺🇦 непристойність

🇵🇱 wulgaryzm

🇯🇵 冒涜

🇫🇷 profanité

🇪🇸 profanidad

🇹🇷 küfür

🇰🇷 불경

🇸🇦 تدنيس

🇨🇿 sprostota

🇸🇰 sprostosť

🇨🇳 亵渎

🇸🇮 profane

🇮🇸 guðlast

🇰🇿 қасиеттілік

🇬🇪 სიწმინდე

🇦🇿 lənət

🇲🇽 profanidad

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.