Which term distinguishes the ordinary and commonplace elements of life from the sacred?

The term that distinguishes the ordinary and commonplace elements of life from the sacred is "profane." In sociological contexts, particularly in the study of religion, "profane" refers to those aspects of life that are mundane or secular, as opposed to the sacred, which encompasses things that are revered, holy, or spiritually significant.

This distinction is important as it highlights how societies categorize experiences and phenomena. The sacred is often associated with rituals, beliefs, and practices that are deeply meaningful to a community, whereas the profane encompasses everything else that individuals encounter on a daily basis, including activities, objects, and experiences that hold no particular spiritual significance.

Understanding this distinction is essential for analyzing how cultures define and interact with their spiritual beliefs, as well as how the sacred and profane are integrated into social life. The other terms do carry some relevant meanings: "secular" refers to non-religious aspects of life but does not specifically emphasize the contrast with the sacred; "sacral" usually relates to what is regarded as sacred or holy, and "ritual" refers to the prescribed behaviors or ceremonies often associated with the sacred, but none of these terms encapsulates the contrast with ordinary life as succinctly as "profane" does