noun/adjectivemasculinepl: os profanos
the profane one; the secular person; the layperson
1. A person who is not initiated into religious or sacred practices; a layperson
In the temple, only the priests could enter, while the profane remained outside.
No templo, apenas os sacerdotes podiam entrar, enquanto o profano permanecia do lado de fora.
2. Something or someone lacking religious reverence; secular or irreverent
His profane language offended the religious community.
Sua linguagem profana ofendeu a comunidade religiosa.
3. Worldly or non-spiritual in nature
The profane arts of music and dance were considered unsuitable by the strict order.
As artes profanas de música e dança eram consideradas inadequadas pela ordem rigorosa.
In Brazilian and Portuguese culture, this term is primarily used in religious, academic, or philosophical contexts to distinguish between the sacred realm and the secular world. It reflects the historical Catholic influence in these countries while also being used in anthropological and sociological discussions about the separation of church and state.
Related Idioms & Phrases
o profano e o sagrado (the profane and the sacred - referring to the secular and religious divide)
linguagem profana (profane language; vulgar speech)
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