ENGLISH
REFERENCE

blasphemous

adj.
C1 Advanced US //ˈbɫæsfəməs// UK //blˈɑːsfəməs// blas·phe·mous
Definition

adj. using words or actions that show you have no respect for a god or a religion. It is a very strong word that describes something that is considered extremely rude or offensive.

adj. showing a lack of respect or reverence for a deity or religion. Often used to describe speech, writing, or actions that are considered sacrilegious or highly offensive within a specific religious context.


SIMPLE

He was arrested for making blasphemous comments about the prophet.

CONTEXTUAL

The court ruled that the film's blasphemous content was protected under the freedom of expression laws.

COMPLEX

Scholars debated whether the ancient text was a genuine religious manuscript or a blasphemous satire designed to mock the very beliefs it claimed to uphold.

Origin

From Latin blasphēmus (“blaspheming”), from Ancient Greek βλάσφημος (blásphēmos, “uttering ill-omened words”), equivalent to blaspheme + -ous.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

Last updated May 20, 2026