The word "blasphemy" (/ˈblæsfəmi/) is spelled with the letters b-l-a-s-p-h-e-m-y. The "b" and "l" sounds are followed by the "a" sound, spelled "a" in this case, and the "s" sound. Next, there is the "p" sound followed by the "h" sound which makes the "f" sound. Lastly, there's the "e" sound and the "m" sound followed by the "y" sound. Blasphemy refers to speaking impiously or disrespectfully about God or sacred things.
Blasphemy is a noun that refers to the act of showing disrespect, irreverence, or contempt towards something that is considered sacred or held as actively worshiped by a particular religion, religious community, or belief system. It involves speaking or acting in a way that is offensive or shocking to those who adhere to these specific religious beliefs or practices.
Blasphemy involves challenging, mocking, or ridiculing religious doctrines, figures, symbols, or rituals. It typically includes words, expressions, or actions that intentionally insult or provoke outrage from religious individuals or institutions. This offense might be aimed at questioning the existence of God, ridiculing religious texts, engaging in sacrilegious behavior, or asserting superiority to religious claims.
Blasphemy is often seen as a violation of religious or social norms and can have serious consequences in societies where blasphemy laws exist. These laws, which vary across countries, may impose penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment or even capital punishment. However, attitudes towards blasphemy differ significantly around the world, with some communities considering it a punishable offense, while others prioritize freedom of speech and expression.
The definition of blasphemy can extend beyond religion as well, particularly in a figurative sense, referring to any act or statement that is seen as an offensive insult against deeply held beliefs or cultural values, irrespective of religious context.
Irreverence in speaking of God; profane language.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "blasphemy" has its roots in Old French and Latin. It ultimately derives from the Greek word "blasphēmia", which consists of "blas-" meaning "evil-speaking" or "harmful" and "-phēmê", meaning "utterance" or "speech".
In Latin, the term "blasphemia" referred to speaking ill or slanderously, especially towards a deity or sacred things. It became incorporated into Old French as "blaspheme", which later entered Middle English as "blasfemen". Over time, the spelling evolved to its current form, "blasphemy", and it continues to carry the sense of uttering profane or irreverent words or actions against the divine.