Word
preaching
Phoneticspreach·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpɹitʃɪŋ/
UK/pɹˈiːtʃɪŋ/
Definitions
01religious sermon
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Religion
n. the act of giving a talk about religion or morals, usually in a church.
n. the delivery of a religious sermon or discourse, typically by a member of the clergy.
“The priest spent many years preaching to his community in the small village.”
“His style of preaching was renowned for its intellectual depth and its ability to connect ancient scripture with modern social challenges.”
Usage
Often functions as an uncountable noun when referring to the profession or activity in general.
Synonyms
02moral advice
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Informal
n. giving unwanted advice about how someone should live or behave.
n. the act of offering earnest or tedious moral advice, often perceived as condescending or intrusive.
“I'm tired of my brother's constant preaching about my diet.”
“The politician's preaching about family values felt hypocritical to many voters given his own complicated personal history.”
Teaching tip
In modern informal English, this sense often carries a negative connotation of being 'preachy' or annoying.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“Anyone found preaching in public service vehicles faces up to eight months in prison, a fine of up to $52 (£39) or both.” “In his preaching and writings, Wedderburn had long argued Africans and English labourers were being denied by the same forces.” Etymology
From Middle English prechynge.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/preaching