Select the antonym of the word sacred.

Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary question asks you to choose the antonym, or opposite in meaning, of the word sacred. Such questions are common in competitive exams because they test both your knowledge of word meanings and your ability to distinguish subtle differences between related terms.

Given Data / Assumptions:
Target word: sacred.
Options: pious, hallowed, divine, profane.
You must select the word that has the opposite meaning to sacred.
Assume the religious or spiritual sense of sacred, as in holy or worthy of reverence.

Concept / Approach:
Sacred usually means holy, connected with religion, deserving great respect, or set apart for a religious purpose. To find the antonym, we first recognise which options share a similar positive spiritual sense and then identify which one expresses the opposite: something that is irreverent, unholy, or disrespectful toward what is considered holy. The word that carries this opposite sense is profane.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Understand sacred as holy, consecrated, or connected with religious worship. Step 2: Look at option A, pious. Pious means very religious or devout, which is close in meaning to sacred, not opposite. Step 3: Look at option B, hallowed. Hallowed means made holy or greatly respected, again a synonym of sacred. Step 4: Look at option C, divine. Divine means of or like God, godly, or heavenly, also similar to sacred. Step 5: Look at option D, profane. Profane means not sacred, secular, or showing a lack of respect for religious things. Step 6: Since profane directly contrasts with sacred, option D is the correct antonym.

Verification / Alternative check:
A quick check is to place the words in simple example sentences. You could say a sacred place of worship, a hallowed shrine, or a divine presence, but you would say a profane joke about holy things. The first three share a reverent sense, while profane clearly does not. This confirms that profane is the opposite.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Pious refers to a person who is devout or deeply religious, which aligns with the idea of sacred rather than opposing it.
Hallowed means made holy and is actually very close in meaning to sacred, often used for hallowed ground or hallowed traditions.
Divine emphasises a connection with God or a deity and carries the same reverent tone as sacred.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners confuse antonyms with synonyms, especially when several options are positive or religious sounding. Others may not know the precise meaning of profane and think it only refers to bad language. In fact, its core sense is secular or irreverent toward what is holy, which makes it the direct opposite of sacred.

Final Answer:
The antonym of sacred is profane.