Word
profanity
Phoneticspro·fan·i·ty, stress on the second syllable
US/pɹoʊˈfænəti/
UK/pɹəfˈænɪti/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. offensive or rude language, especially swear words. It is often used to describe words that are considered socially unacceptable or disrespectful.
n. blasphemous or obscene language. Often refers to the use of swear words or irreverent speech regarding sacred things.
Examples
“The movie contains a lot of profanity.”
“The television network decided to bleep out the profanity to ensure the program remained suitable for younger viewers.”
“While some critics argue that profanity in literature adds a layer of gritty realism, others believe it often serves as a lazy substitute for more nuanced character development.”
Examples
simple
“The movie contains a lot of profanity.”
contextual
“The television network decided to bleep out the profanity to ensure the program remained suitable for younger viewers.”
complex
“While some critics argue that profanity in literature adds a layer of gritty realism, others believe it often serves as a lazy substitute for more nuanced character development.”
Usage
Uncountable when referring to the general use of such language; countable when referring to specific instances or words.
Real-World Examples
“Swearing is also surprisingly good for you : uttering a profanity can decrease physical pain and increase focus.” “And then when they use profanity, then everyone asks, how can our girls cuss and swear," says Bhandare.” Etymology
Borrowed from Latin profānitās. By surface analysis, profane + -ity.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/profanity