impiety

/im'paiəti/

Thân thiện

Definition

Impiety (noun) 1. Lack of respect or reverence for a god, deity, or sacred things; the quality of being impious. - This is the core meaning, describing an attitude or state of being that shows irreverence toward what is considered holy or divine. 2. An impious act; a specific action that shows disrespect for the sacred. - This meaning refers to a concrete instance or behavior demonstrating such irreverence.

Usage

The word "impiety" is a formal term, often used in religious, philosophical, or historical contexts to describe a serious moral or spiritual failing. It is the opposite of "piety."

Examples

• The ancient philosopher was accused of impiety for questioning the existence of the city's gods.
• His refusal to kneel in the temple was seen as an act of impiety.
• The novel explores the themes of faith and impiety in a modern society.

Advanced Usage

• Charges of impiety: Historically, this was a serious legal or social accusation, as seen in the trial of Socrates.
  • Socrates was sentenced to death on charges of impiety and corrupting the youth.
• As a philosophical concept: Used to discuss the relationship between humans, the divine, and moral duty.
  • The debate centered on whether skepticism constituted impiety or intellectual honesty.

Variants and Related Words

• Impious (adjective): Characterized by impiety; not pious.
  • He was criticized for his impious remarks about the ceremony.
• Impiety is the noun form. The adverbial form is impiously.

Synonyms

• Irreverence: Lack of respect for things that are generally taken seriously.
• Godlessness: The state of not believing in or recognizing a god. (Note: This can be more neutral, while "impiety" often implies a conscious disrespect.)
• Blasphemy: Profane talk or action concerning God or sacred things. (Often stronger and more specific than "impiety.")
• Sacrilege: Violation or misuse of what is regarded as sacred. (Often refers to a specific act.)

Antonyms

• Piety: The quality of being religious or reverent.
• Devotion: Love, loyalty, or enthusiasm for a person, activity, or cause, often religious.
• Reverence: Deep respect for someone or something.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• An act of impiety: A phrase used to label a specific deed as disrespectful to the sacred.
  • Destroying the ancient altar was considered an unforgivable act of impiety.
• To be guilty of impiety: To be responsible for showing such disrespect.
  • The ruler was declared guilty of impiety for defying the high priest.

Học thuật

Noun

1. unrighteousness by virtue of lacking respect for a god

Từ đồng nghĩa

• impiousness