blasphemous
/ˈblæsfəməs/
adjective
Origin
Ancient Greek
blasphemos — speaking evil
Overview
Meaning Now
- Showing or expressing a lack of reverence for God or sacred things.
- Calculated to offend against religious norms or divine authority.
Literal older meaning
speaking hurtfully or injuriously (of sacred things)
Language path
Ancient Greek → Latin → Old French → English
Earliest form
blasphemous
Earliest period
16th century
Journey
The term derives from the Greek concept of 'blasphemos', which originally meant 'injurious to reputation'. In the context of early Christianity, the term was appropriated to specifically describe speech that insulted the divine or challenged religious doctrine. By the medieval period, blasphemy became a serious legal and ecclesiastical offense in many parts of Europe.
Evolution
- Ancient Greek
blasphemos
“slanderous, defamatory”
Used broadly for any defamatory speech before narrowing to religious context.
- Late Latin
blasphemare
“to blaspheme”
Ecclesiastical usage solidified the religious scope.
- Middle English
blasphemous
“irreverent, impious”
Adapted from Old French influences.
Connections
Word parts
blasphem-
root
to speak evil of
-ous
suffix
full of, having the quality of
Related across languages
French
blasphématoire
blasphemous
Spanish
blasfemo
blasphemous
Related words
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External references use DefinedTerm semantics.