Preach Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
preach
[priหtส ]
Definitions
in church
To deliver a sermon or religious address to a congregation. Preaching typically involves sharing religious teachings, beliefs, and moral guidance.
Synonyms
advocate, proclaim, sermonize.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| preach |
Typically used in religious contexts where a person is delivering a message or teaching about morality, spirituality, or religious beliefs.
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| sermonize |
Often used negatively or pejoratively to describe someone who speaks in a moralistic or self-righteous manner, usually overbearingly.
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| proclaim |
Used when formally or publicly announcing something, often with an air of authority or importance.
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| advocate |
Commonly used in the context of supporting, recommending, or being in favor of a particular cause, policy, or idea.
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Examples of usage
- He preached a powerful sermon on forgiveness.
- The priest preached about the importance of kindness and compassion.
informally
To earnestly advocate for a particular belief, opinion, or cause. It can also refer to passionately promoting a certain idea or viewpoint.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| preach |
Used when speaking about delivering religious or moral messages, often in a formal and authoritative manner.
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| promote |
Appropriate when discussing the act of encouraging or actively supporting something, often in a commercial or public sense.
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| advocate |
Best applied when referring to the act of publicly supporting or recommending a particular cause or policy.
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| propagate |
Fitting when talking about spreading ideas, beliefs, or information to a wide audience, sometimes scientifically or systematically.
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Examples of usage
- She preached the benefits of a healthy lifestyle to her friends.
- He preached the importance of environmental conservation to anyone who would listen.
informal
An instance of passionate or earnest advocacy for a cause or belief. It can also refer to a strong and forceful presentation of a particular viewpoint.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| preach |
This is a duplicate entry. Refer to the first entry for 'preach'. |
| advocacy |
Advocacy refers to the act of supporting, defending, or arguing in favor of a cause, policy, or group of people. This term is common in legal, social, and political contexts.
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| sermon |
A sermon is a specific type of preaching, usually within a religious context. It is a speech given by a religious leader during a service which covers moral or religious topics.
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| lecture |
A lecture is a formal talk on a serious subject given to a group of people, especially students. It is mainly used in educational contexts.
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Examples of usage
- His speech was more of a preach than a presentation.
- The activist's words carried the weight of a powerful preach.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Religion
- Preaching is a key component in many religions, used to educate followers and share important teachings.
- Many famous speeches throughout history, such as Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream,' can be viewed as a form of preaching social justice.
Literature
- The concept appears in various texts and fables, emphasizing moral lessons and guidance.
- Preaching is often depicted as a character trait of wise figures, who share knowledge and life lessons.
Psychology
- Studies show that people often respond better to messages that resonate with their values when conveyed passionately.
- Preaching can influence behavior, shaping individualsโ views on ethics and community responsibilities.
Pop Culture
- Music genres like gospel have preaching elements, expressing beliefs through powerful lyrics and performances.
- Television shows and films often depict preachers as pivotal characters conveying messages of hope or morality.
Origin of 'preach'
Main points about word origin
- Originates from the Latin word 'praedicare,' which means 'to proclaim' or 'to announce publicly.'
- The term evolved into Middle English from 'preachen,' which still held the meaning of speaking publicly.
The word 'preach' originated from the Old English word 'precan', meaning 'to proclaim, preach, teach'. Over the centuries, it has evolved to encompass not just religious teachings but also the act of strongly advocating for a particular belief or cause. Preaching has been a fundamental aspect of various religious traditions and continues to play a significant role in conveying moral and ethical principles.