The profane, in the sociological study of religion, refers to the ordinary, mundane, and commonplace elements of everyday life that are considered secular and lack special religious significance or sacredness. This concept, contrasted with the sacred, encompasses the routine activities, objects, and experiences that are part of the everyday world and do not inspire the same sense of awe, reverence, or spiritual connection associated with the sacred. The distinction between the sacred and the profane is central to understanding how societies create and maintain religious beliefs and practices, with the sacred often being set apart and treated with special respect.