Impious

Lacking reverence or respect, especially for God, religion, sacred things, or one's parents; characterized by irreverence or wickedness.

impious actions or beliefs often demonstrate a disregard for established moral principles and a lack of piety or devotion.

The term suggests a deliberate affront to what is considered holy or virtuous, rather than a simple lack of religious adherence.

It implies a conscious and often outspoken opposition to respected traditions or deities. In some contexts, it can also denote a lack of filial piety – respect for one's parents and elders. .

Impious meaning with examples

• His impious remarks during the religious ceremony drew gasps from the congregation, who viewed his skepticism as a direct insult to their deeply held beliefs and traditions.
• The young radical's impious writings challenged the Church's authority, accusing it of hypocrisy and demanding radical reforms to reflect modern values.
• Ignoring his father's dying wish was considered an impious act by the community, who saw it as a profound betrayal of family loyalty and respect for elders.
• Some considered the artist's depiction of religious figures in a satirical manner to be impious, while others hailed it as a bold critique of societal norms.