What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
desecrate
Example
The vandals desecrated the church by spray-painting graffiti on its walls. [desecrated: past tense]
Example
It is considered sacrilegious to desecrate a cemetery. [desecrate: verb]
profane
Example
He was reprimanded for using profane language in front of his coworkers. [profane: adjective]
Example
The comedian's jokes were considered too profane for the family-friendly event. [profane: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Profane is more commonly used in everyday language than desecrate. Profane can be used in various contexts, including non-religious ones, while desecrate is less common and typically used in religious or spiritual contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between desecrate and profane?
Both desecrate and profane are formal words and may not be commonly used in casual conversation. However, profane may be more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while desecrate is more specific and may be used in more formal or religious settings.
