Preacher: meaning, definitions and examples

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preacher

[ˈpriː.tʃər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

religious

A preacher is a person who delivers sermons or religious talks to a group of people, typically in a church setting. Preachers are often seen as spiritual leaders and are responsible for interpreting and sharing religious teachings.

Synonyms

clergyman, minister, pastor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
preacher	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.
minister	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.
clergyman	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.
pastor	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.

Examples of usage

The preacher delivered a powerful sermon on forgiveness.
The preacher inspired the congregation with his words of hope and love.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

informal

In informal usage, a preacher can refer to someone who passionately promotes or advocates for a particular belief, cause, or idea. This can be in a non-religious context.

Synonyms

advocate, evangelist, promoter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
preacher	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
advocate	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
promoter	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
evangelist	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

Examples of usage

She's a preacher for environmental conservation, always encouraging others to reduce their carbon footprint.
He's a preacher of healthy living, promoting exercise and balanced diets.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term comes from the Latin 'praedicare,' meaning 'to proclaim or announce.'
In medieval times, preachers played a vital role in communities, especially when written texts were rare.
The Reformation in the 16th century led to a rise in the importance of preachers, as they began to interpret the Bible directly for the people.

Cultural Significance

Within many cultures, preachers are seen not just as religious leaders, but also as community guides and motivators.
Sermons delivered by influential preachers have inspired social movements, including civil rights efforts led by figures like Martin Luther King Jr.
In some cultures, storytelling by preachers serves to preserve historical narratives and moral lessons for future generations.

Pop Culture

Preachers are often depicted in films and literature as powerful characters, showcasing their influence and moral struggles.
Television shows and online platforms have popularized modern preachers, allowing them to reach audiences far beyond physical congregations.
Songs and music often reflect themes of preaching, exploring the weight of their messages and the emotional journeys involved.

Psychology

Preachers can significantly affect their listeners’ emotional states, often using personal stories and passion to evoke feelings.
The act of preaching can be seen as a form of social influence, impacting a person's beliefs and behaviors through verbal communication.
Research shows that charismatic preaching can lead to greater community cohesion and support among followers.

Literature

Many classic novels feature preachers as central characters, symbolizing moral dilemmas and societal issues.
The role of preachers in literature often reflects the tension between faith and doubt, exploring deep philosophical questions.
Poets have used the image of preachers to critique or celebrate societal norms, showcasing their cultural impact throughout history.

Translations

Translations of the word "preacher" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pregador

🇮🇳 उपदेशक

🇩🇪 Prediger

🇮🇩 pengkhotbah

🇺🇦 проповідник

🇵🇱 kaznodzieja

🇯🇵 説教者 (せっきょうしゃ)

🇫🇷 prédicateur

🇪🇸 predicador

🇹🇷 vaiz

🇰🇷 설교자

🇸🇦 واعظ

🇨🇿 kazatel

🇸🇰 kazateľ

🇨🇳 传教士 (chuánjiàoshì)

🇸🇮 pridigar

🇮🇸 predikari

🇰🇿 уағызшы

🇬🇪 მქადაგებელი

🇦🇿 vaiz

🇲🇽 predicador

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,386 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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7383 intervening
7384 electronics
7385 sleeve
7386 preacher
7387 bloom
7388 pulses
7389 paste
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