profane

What does “profane” mean?

noun.relating or devoted to that which is not sacred or biblical; secular rather than religious.

SAT Usage

this term often appears in passages discussing religion, culture, or morality, emphasizing the contrast between sacred and secular beliefs. It implies a disregard for the sacred, suggesting irreverence or disrespect, which distinguishes it from similar words like "secular," which simply denotes a non-religious context without the connotation of disrespect.

Common Confusions

Profane implies a disrespectful attitude toward the sacred, while secular usually suggests a neutral or non-religious context without any connotation of irreverence.

Example Sentences

• One should not profane the name of God.

• Despite the profane language that erupted during the heated debate, the community leaders remained focused on finding a constructive resolution to their differences.

Word Parts: How to Remember “profane”

Break “profane” into its parts: pro- (forward, in favor of). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.

• Prefix: pro- forward, in favor of (Latin)