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.

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