profane etymology

Etymology:

The word "profane" derives from the Latin "profanus," meaning "outside the temple." It originally referred to something that was not sacred or religious.

Meaning:

• Irreverent: Showing contempt or disrespect for something considered sacred or holy.
• Blasphemous: Expressing impiety or contempt for a deity or religion.
• Secular: Not religious; concerned with worldly or non-sacred matters.
• Vulgar: Offensive to decency or good taste; characterized by obscenity or foul language.

Origin:

The concept of profanity can be traced back to ancient times, when societies had distinct divisions between the sacred and the secular. Anything that violated these boundaries was considered profane and punished severely.

In the Roman Empire, for example, the Vestal Virgins were strictly prohibited from engaging in any profane activities, such as sexual intercourse or speaking to men. The violation of these taboos was punishable by death.

The Christian tradition further solidified the concept of profanity by distinguishing between the sacred realm of the Church and the secular world. Anything that detracted from the sanctity of religious practices was considered profane and condemned as a sin.

Historical Evolution:

Over time, the meaning of profanity has broadened to include not only religious matters but also social conventions and cultural norms. In many societies, certain words or gestures are considered profane because they violate established taboos or codes of conduct.

For example, in Victorian England, it was considered extremely profane to use the word "leg" in polite society. In modern times, profanity often involves the use of offensive or obscene language that is deemed inappropriate in certain social contexts.

profane relate terms

• profanation

  Etymology Latin profanare from pro before fanum temple sacred place Litera

• profane

  Etymology The word profane derives from the Latin profanus meaning outside the tem

• profanity

  Etymology The word profanity originates from the Latin word profanus which means ou

• profane

  Etymology The word profane derives from the Latin profanus meaning outside the tem

• sacred

  Etymology The word sacred originates from the Latin word sacer which means holy

• outrage

  Etymology The word outrage comes from the Old French word outrage meaning an act of

• subvert

  Etymology The word subvert is derived from the Latin word subvertere which means t

• gutter

  Etymology The word gutter is derived from the Anglo Norman word goter which means r

• holy

  Etymology The word holy originates from the Old English word hālġ which means sac

• suborn

  Etymology Late Latin subornare Latin sub beneath ornare to adorn Meaning

• change

  Etymology Etymology is the study of the origin and development of words It traces words

• modify

  1 Etymology a Definition The study of the history of words including their origins f