What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
blasphemy
Example
He was accused of blasphemy for mocking the religious rituals. [blasphemy: noun]
Example
She committed blasphemy by defacing the church's altar. [blasphemy: noun]
sacrilege
Example
The theft of the holy relics was seen as sacrilege by the community. [sacrilege: noun]
Example
Vandalizing a place of worship is an act of sacrilege. [sacrilege: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Blasphemy is more commonly used than sacrilege in everyday language, especially in discussions related to religion and religious offenses. Sacrilege is less common but still used in specific contexts where the violation or desecration of sacred things is emphasized.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between blasphemy and sacrilege?
Both blasphemy and sacrilege are generally considered formal words due to their association with religious beliefs and practices. However, blasphemy may carry a slightly stronger connotation of offensive language, making it slightly less formal than sacrilege.
