What does impiety mean?
Impiety denotes a lack of reverence, especially toward God, religious beliefs, or practices. Unlike a mild failure of manners, impiety suggests a serious challenge to religious authority or a disregard for what is considered sacred. The word can refer either to a general condition of irreligion or to a particular instance of disrespectful speech or conduct. It is used in formal literary, religious, historical, and cultural discussion, and its tone is typically critical rather than neutral. Because impiety carries a strong moral and religious association, it should not be used casually as a substitute for every kind of disrespect. Its usefulness lies in distinguishing attacks on religious devotion from ordinary irreverence or informality.
The absence of reverence or respect toward God, religious beliefs, or sacred things.
"The reformers condemned the perceived impiety of the established church."
Strongly disapproving and generally formal; often used in religious, historical, or literary discussion.
An instance or act of showing disrespect toward God or religious beliefs.
"The controversial painting was condemned by some as an act of impiety."
This sense focuses on a particular offensive act or expression.
Plural is used for multiple instances of impiety or multiple acts considered impious.
"The author was accused of committing several impieties against religious tradition."
Impiety is the word for a breach not merely of etiquette, but of a solemn religious duty.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does impiety come from?
Impiety derives from Latin impietas, meaning lack of piety or reverence. The word is related to impius, meaning impious or lacking devotion, which in turn comes from the same broad family as Latin pius, meaning devout or dutiful, and pietas, meaning piety. English borrowed the noun in the late Middle English period, when it was used especially in religious and legal contexts. Its modern cognates in other European languages preserve the contrast between reverent devotion and its absence.
Related word forms
How impiety is actually used
Usually formal and often strongly disapproving. It is most common in discussions of religion and religious conduct, though it can be used more generally for profound disrespect toward a serious or sacred subject.
Easily confused with impiety
Irreverence is a broader term for disrespect toward something regarded as sacred or serious, whereas impiety more specifically concerns lack of reverence toward God or religious beliefs.