Unpious

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Lacking reverence or respect, particularly towards religion or sacred matters
2. Characterized by a disposition that is irreverent or disobedient to religious principles
3. Signifying a state of being morally or spiritually deficient, especially in relation to devout behavior

Etymology: "Unpious" is a straightforward formation: the prefix "un-", meaning "not", attached to the adjective "pious". "Pious" itself comes from the Latin "pius", a word that carried the sense of dutiful respect toward gods, family and country, so "unpious" is simply the negation of that duty-bound devotion. The word's meaning is more specific than a plain opposite of "pious" would suggest. Where "pious" described sincere religious devotion, "unpious" points to a disposition that actively disregards or defies religious principles, rather than merely lacking piety. The prefix does the work here, making the word a direct, transparent negation with no older sense to unravel.

Synonyms: irreligious, ungodly, blasphemous, profane, wicked

Antonyms: pious, devout, religious, holy, sacred