preach
v.-
1 religious sermon (v.) B2 Upper Intermediate Religionto give a talk about religion or morals, usually in a church.
to deliver a sermon or religious discourse during a service or public gathering.
ExampleThe priest began to preach about the importance of helping others.
ExampleThe visiting minister was invited to preach at the cathedral, delivering a powerful message on social justice to the packed congregation.
UsageOften used with the preposition 'to' for the audience or 'about' for the topic.
- sermonize
- evangelize
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2 to advise earnestly (v.) B2 Upper Intermediateto strongly recommend a way of behaving or a set of beliefs.
to advocate or recommend a particular quality, practice, or belief with great earnestness.
ExampleMy parents always preached the value of hard work and honesty.
ExampleWhile the company leaders preach environmental sustainability in their public statements, their internal policies tell a different story.
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3 unwanted advice (v.) B2 Upper Intermediateto give advice in a way that is annoying or makes you feel like you are being judged.
to offer moral advice or criticism in an obtrusive, self-righteous, or tedious manner.
ExampleI know I should exercise more, so please don't preach at me.
ExampleHe had a tendency to preach at his colleagues whenever they disagreed with his lifestyle choices, which eventually alienated him from the team.
UsageFrequently used with the preposition 'at' to indicate the target of the unwanted advice.
- lecture
- moralize
From Middle English prechen, from Old French prëechier, precchier (Modern French prêcher), from Latin praedicō (“to proclaim, announce”, literally “to fore-assign, pre-dedicate”). Doublet of predicate. The Latin word is also the source of Old English predician (“to preach”), Saterland Frisian preetje (“to preach”), West Frisian preekje (“to preach”), Dutch preken (“to preach”), German Low German preken (“to preach”), German predigen (“to preach”), Danish prædike (“to preach”), Swedish predika (“to preach”), Icelandic prédika (“to preach”), Norwegian Nynorsk preika (“to preach”).
- Verbpreach
- Nounpreacher
- 01
preach in the desert
To speak to or persuade a nearly nonexistent audience, or to an audience not listening.
- 02
preach to deaf ears
To attempt to persuade a party that does not wish to listen or cannot be altered in its conviction.
- 03
preach to the choir
To speak as if to convince a person or group of something they already believe.