Meaning · adjective
secular, lay, profane
- secular, non-religious; relating to worldly affairs as opposed to sacred ones
- inexpert, uninitiated in a particular field or discipline
In a sentence
Il concerto comprende brani di musica sia sacra sia profana.
The concert includes pieces of both sacred and secular music.
Agli occhi di un lettore profano, questo testo scientifico risulta incomprensibile.
To the eyes of a lay reader, this scientific text is incomprehensible.
Questo antico edificio era originariamente destinato a usi profani.
This ancient building was originally intended for secular uses.
Word forms (4)
| Word | Word forms |
|---|---|
| profano | masculine · singular |
| profana | feminine · singular |
| profani | masculine · plural |
| profane | feminine · plural |
Usage notes
- Often contrasted with 'sacro' (e.g., 'musica sacra e profana').
- Can also function as a noun: 'un profano' (a layman, non-expert).