profane
secular
adjective noun proh-FAN Rare
Origin: Latin profanus (outside the temple)
Also means
uninitiated, layperson
Usage Note
Profane contrasts with sacré (sacred) and refers to what is outside religious practice or knowledge. As a noun, un profane means someone who is not initiated into a subject — similar to 'layperson' in English. The verb profaner means 'to desecrate'.
Examples
"Ce lieu sacré est interdit aux profanes."
Natural Translation
This sacred place is off-limits to the uninitiated.
Related Words
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