Preacher: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe someone who delivers religious sermons, often with an enthusiastic or persuasive tone. This word can sometimes carry a slight negative connotation if used derogatorily to imply someone is being overly moralistic.

• The preacher spoke passionately about love and forgiveness.
• He is a well-known street preacher in the community.

Refers to a religious leader authorized to perform religious rituals and provide spiritual guidance. It can also be used to describe government officials in some contexts, but in religious settings, it emphasizes the role of service.

• The minister is always ready to help members of the congregation.
• He has been a Baptist minister for over twenty years.

A more formal term for someone who is ordained to perform religious duties in Christian churches. This term is gender-specific, referring to men.

• The clergyman conducted the Sunday service with great solemnity.
• As a clergyman, he is often called upon to provide spiritual guidance.

Commonly used to describe the leader of a Christian congregation who provides spiritual leadership and cares for their members. This term emphasizes the pastoral (shepherd-like) role.

• The pastor visited the family to offer his condolences.
• She has been appointed as the new pastor of the local church.

Typically used in religious contexts to describe someone who delivers sermons or religious messages.

• The preacher gave a moving sermon on forgiveness
• The preacher at the local church is very well-spoken

Used to describe someone who publicly supports a cause, policy, or group, often used in legal or social contexts.

• She is a strong advocate for children's rights
• He works as an advocate for the homeless in the community

Generally used to describe someone who actively promotes an event, product, or idea, often in marketing or entertainment contexts.

• The promoter did an excellent job advertising the concert
• She works as a promoter for the new restaurant in town

Most often used in a religious context to describe someone who seeks to convert others to the Christian faith. Can also be used in business or technology contexts to describe someone who promotes a new idea or technology.

• The evangelist traveled across the country spreading the gospel
• As a tech evangelist, he speaks at conferences about the benefits of their new software