What does profaner mean?
Profaner is the comparative form of the adjective profane. It means that something displays more disrespect for religious, sacred, or traditionally revered subjects, although it can also mean that something is more indecent or offensive. The word is commonly used to compare two people, statements, versions, or performances, often with the construction “profaner than.” For example, an edited performance may be described as “less profaner” than the original, while a joke may be called profaner if it treats a serious subject with greater irreverence. Because the primary sense concerns religious or moral impropriety, profaner often carries a critical or disapproving tone, though it can also be used comparatively without implying the speaker's personal objection. Its form comes directly from the English adjective profane, which was borrowed through Old French from Latin profanus, an adjective originally associated with what was “outside the temple” and therefore secular or ungodly.
adjectiveProfaner is the comparative form of profane: more irreverent toward religious or sacred matters, or more offensive or indecent.
- More profane; more disrespectful of religious or sacred things.
- More offensive, indecent, or morally objectionable.
"The comedian's profaner routines alienated even his most tolerant audiences."
"The altered version uses profaner language than the original broadcast."
"Of the two interpretations, the first is considerably profaner and less suitable for children."
A profaner version is one degree more irreverent: the word points directly toward greater disrespect.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does profaner come from?
English profane comes through Old French profan from Latin profanus, originally meaning “outside the temple” and consequently secular or ungodly. The form profaner adds the regular comparative ending -er to this adjective. Related English forms include profanity, profanation, and profanely, while the Latin verb profanare also underlies defile.
Related word forms
How profaner is actually used
Profaner is chiefly used in comparative contexts, either after a linking verb or before a noun. Its meaning may concern religious irreverence, obscenity, or general moral offensiveness, depending on context.
Easily confused with profaner
Profane is the base adjective, while profaner is its comparative form and therefore means 'more profane'.
Profanity is a noun meaning profane language or behavior, whereas profaner is a comparative adjective describing something as more profane.