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sermon

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈsɝmən// UK //sˈɜːmən// ser·mon Archaic Literary

n. a talk given by a religious leader during a service, usually about how to live a good life. It can also mean a long, serious talk from someone who is trying to give you advice or criticize your behavior.

n. a religious discourse delivered by a member of the clergy during a service, typically based on a scriptural text. In a secular context, it refers to a long, tedious speech on a moral or practical matter.


SIMPLE

The priest gave a short sermon about kindness.

CONTEXTUAL

After I came home late for the third time, my father gave me a long sermon about responsibility.

COMPLEX

The minister's sermon focused on the intersection of ancient parables and modern ethical dilemmas, urging the congregation to find contemporary relevance in the traditional texts.

Synonyms
Etymology 1

From Middle English sermoun, from Anglo-Norman sermun and/or Old French sermon, from Latin sermō, sermōnem, from Proto-Indo-European sermō, from ser- (“to bind”) + *-mō.

Etymology 2

From Middle English sermonen, from Old French sermoner, from sermon (see above).

Usage

Often used with the verb 'deliver' or 'give'.

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