Definition

In a way that shows disrespect or irreverence towards something sacred or religious.

Example

He spoke sacrilegiously about the ancient traditions of the church.

Conversation

Did you hear how they sacrilegiously changed the ending of that classic book?

I know, right? It felt completely disrespectful to the original story.

Exactly! It’s like they didn’t care about the author's intentions at all.

Totally! Some things should be left untouched.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

**Sacrilegiously** → It is formed from "sacrilegium" (from Latin, meaning theft of sacred things) and the adverbial suffix "-ly" (meaning in a manner). The word "sacrilegiously" means in a manner that involves the violation or theft of something sacred.

Memory Tip

Think of 'sacrilegium' as referring to the 'theft of sacred things' — so when something is done 'sacrilegiously', it is done in a way that violates or disrespects what is sacred.

Visually Confused Words