What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
unholy
Example
The priest warned his congregation against engaging in unholy practices. [unholy: adjective]
Example
The cult's unholy rituals were disturbing and sacrilegious. [unholy: adjective]
profane
Example
The comedian's profane jokes offended some members of the audience. [profane: adjective]
Example
The archaeologist discovered a profane object that had no religious significance. [profane: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Profane is more commonly used than unholy in everyday language. Profane has a wider range of meanings and can be used in various contexts, while unholy is more specific to religious contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between unholy and profane?
Both unholy and profane are generally considered informal and may not be appropriate for formal or academic writing. However, unholy may be more formal than profane due to its specific religious connotations.
