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Preaching: meaning, definitions and examples

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preaching

 

[ priːtʃɪŋ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

religious act

Preaching refers to the act of delivering a sermon or religious message, typically by a clergy member or ordained individual. It aims to instruct, inspire, or motivate listeners about spiritual matters and moral behavior. This practice is a central aspect of many religious traditions, serving to communicate faith principles to a congregation. Preaching can vary significantly in style and content, depending on the religious context and cultural background.

Synonyms

proclaiming, sermonizing, teaching

Examples of usage

  • The pastor's preaching moved the congregation to tears.
  • He has been known for his powerful preaching on social justice.
  • During the sermon, the preacher emphasized the importance of kindness.
  • Her preaching inspired many to volunteer in the community.

Translations

Translations of the word "preaching" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pregação

🇮🇳 प्रवचन

🇩🇪 Predigt

🇮🇩 khutbah

🇺🇦 проповідь

🇵🇱 kazanie

🇯🇵 説教

🇫🇷 prédication

🇪🇸 predicación

🇹🇷 vaaz

🇰🇷 설교

🇸🇦 خطبة

🇨🇿 kázání

🇸🇰 kázanie

🇨🇳 讲道

🇸🇮 pridiga

🇮🇸 predikun

🇰🇿 уәж

🇬🇪 ქადაგება

🇦🇿 təbliğ

🇲🇽 predicación

Etymology

The word 'preaching' originates from the Old French word 'precher', which itself comes from the Latin word 'praedicare', meaning 'to proclaim' or 'to declare'. The term has evolved through centuries, gaining significance within various religious contexts, particularly in Christianity, where it became synonymous with delivering messages based on scripture. In the medieval period, preaching became a formalized practice within the church, as clerics aimed to communicate Biblical teachings to the laity. Over time, the act of preaching expanded beyond formal church settings, influencing social and political movements, as well as shaping moral discourses within communities. Today, preaching encompasses a wide range of styles and mediums, from traditional sermons in places of worship to modern platforms such as podcasts and online videos.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,265 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.