Preached Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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preached

[priหtสƒt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

religious context

To preach means to deliver a sermon or religious instruction. It often involves speaking to a congregation about moral or spiritual topics, aiming to persuade or inspire listeners.

Synonyms

advocate, deliver, exhort, proclaim, teach.

Examples of usage

  • The pastor preached a powerful sermon on forgiveness.
  • She preached regularly at the local church.
  • He felt called to preach the gospel.
  • They preached to the community about the importance of charity.
Context #2 | Verb

advocacy context

To preach can also refer to advocating a particular doctrine, perspective, or moral viewpoint. In this sense, it implies a degree of fervent persuasion beyond just a religious implication.

Synonyms

advocate, promote, recommend, urge.

Examples of usage

  • She preached environmental sustainability in her lectures.
  • He preaches the importance of mental health awareness.
  • They are preaching the values of kindness and empathy.
  • The speaker preached unity and collaboration.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The practice of preaching can be traced back to ancient societies where orators shared societal values and norms in public forums.
  • In Christianity, preaching became central to the faith as early as the New Testament, where apostles spread teachings and messages.
  • Throughout history, influential figures like Martin Luther King Jr. used preaching to address social justice, showcasing its powerful impact beyond religion.

Cultural Impact

  • Preaching has influenced various forms of art, including literature, music, and theater, often shaping moral and ethical themes in storytelling.
  • Rap music has its origins in the oral tradition of preaching, where rhythm and rhyme were combined to engage audiences with powerful messages.
  • The practice of outdoor preaching has historically sparked social movements, where passionate speakers would gather crowds to promote change.

Psychology

  • Research shows that sermons and preaching can invoke strong emotional responses, often leading to memorable experiences for the audience.
  • Listeners can feel a sense of community and belonging when engaging with sermons, contributing to emotional well-being.
  • Psychologically, compelling preaching utilizes narrative techniques to connect with listeners on a personal level, making the message more relatable.

Literature

  • Many classic novels use preachy characters to explore moral dilemmas, such as in Mark Twainโ€™s 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn'.
  • Preaching in literature often reflects societal issues, as seen in authors like Charles Dickens, who used tales to advocate for social reform.
  • The structure of sermons has influenced storytelling techniques, where a powerful opening engages the audience before unfolding the core message.

Origin of 'preached'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin term 'praedicare', which means 'to proclaim, announce'โ€”essentially sharing important news.
  • In Middle English, 'preche' referred specifically to the act of delivering sermons, emphasizing its religious context.
  • The evolution of its meaning reflects a broader usage over time, moving from strictly religious contexts to include a variety of public speaking.

The word 'preach' comes from the Middle English 'prechen', which derived from the Old French 'precher', meaning to proclaim or announce. This, in turn, has roots in the Latin word 'praedicare', where 'prae-' implies ahead or before, and 'dicare' means to proclaim, to declare. The word has evolved through usage in ecclesiastical settings, capturing not only the act of delivering religious messages but also moral guidance. Historically, preaching has been a crucial method for disseminating ideas and doctrines, especially in times when literacy levels were low and oral traditions were prominent. The essence of preaching thus encompasses not just religious proclamations, but also social and ethical discussions aimed at influencing the collective mindset of communities.


Word Frequency Rank

At #6,596 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.