The word "profane" has a strong religious or spiritual connotation, relating to what is not sacred. Its opposite will likely also have a spiritual or respectful connotation, like "sacred," "pious," or, in this case, "reverent."
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question asks for the antonym of the verb PROFANE. Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
To PROFANE something means to treat something sacred with disrespect, irreverence, or contempt. It means to violate or defile the sanctity of a person, place, or thing.
We are looking for a phrase that means the opposite: to treat something sacred with great respect.
Let's evaluate the options:
(A) approach expectantly: To come near with anticipation. Unrelated.
(B) punish mildly: Unrelated.
(C) appease fully: To pacify or placate. Unrelated.
(D) treat reverently: "Reverently" means with deep and solemn respect. To treat something reverently is the direct opposite of profaning it.
(E) admonish sternly: To scold or reprimand firmly. Unrelated.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The opposite of to PROFANE (to treat with disrespect) is to treat reverently (to treat with deep respect).