Preachy: meaning, definitions and examples

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preachy

[ˈpriːtʃi ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in a sermon

Having or revealing a tendency to give moral advice in a tedious or self-righteous way.

Synonyms

moralistic, sanctimonious, sermonizing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
preachy	Often used to describe someone who excessively gives unsolicited advice or moral guidance in a way that feels patronizing. Her preachy attitude made the team uncomfortable whenever she started talking about her views on ethics
moralistic	This word is used when someone strictly adheres to a set of moral principles and expects others to do the same, often coming across as judgmental. He has a moralistic outlook that often puts him at odds with his more flexible colleagues
sanctimonious	Used to describe someone who behaves as if they are morally superior to others, typically in an insincere or self-righteous way. This term carries a negative connotation. Her sanctimonious comments about charity work annoyed everyone, as they knew she barely contributed herself
sermonizing	Often refers to giving a long or tedious moral speech, typically in a way that is considered overbearing or unwelcome. His sermonizing on the importance of recycling became tiresome after the third reminder in an hour

Examples of usage

He became preachy and self-righteous whenever the topic of ethics came up.
I don't like his preachy attitude towards life.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

in a conversation

Annoyingly or excessively instructive.

Synonyms

didactic, moralizing, pontifical.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
preachy	Used to describe someone or something that tends to give moral advice in a way that is unwanted or annoying. This term often has a negative connotation. His lectures became too preachy, causing students to lose interest. She has a preachy tone that can be off-putting in casual conversations.
moralizing	Refers to the act of commenting on issues of right and wrong, typically with an air of superiority. It often implies a judgmental or self-righteous attitude, making it generally negative. Her moralizing about modern society irritated many people at the dinner party. The article seemed more focused on moralizing than presenting balanced arguments.
pontifical	Used to describe someone who speaks in a pompous or self-important manner, as if they have absolute authority. The term is usually negative and suggests arrogance. He gave a pontifical speech, full of grandiose statements and little substance. Her pontifical attitude during the meeting alienated her colleagues.
didactic	Used to describe something designed to teach or instruct, often with a focus on moral or ethical lessons. It can be neutral but sometimes carries a slightly negative implication if the instruction is overly intrusive or condescending. The novel is didactic, aiming to teach readers about the importance of kindness. His teaching style is a bit didactic, emphasizing principles over practical examples.

Examples of usage

Her preachy tone made it hard to have a normal conversation with her.
I find his preachy comments to be quite irritating.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term 'preachy' derives from the verb 'preach', which comes from the Latin 'praedicare' meaning 'to proclaim or make known'.
It first appeared in English around the early 1900s, originally used to describe excessive moralizing and lecturing.
The adjective form 'preachy' adds a negative connotation, highlighting a perceived overzealousness in delivering lessons.

Psychology

People often perceive preachy behavior as patronizing, which can lead to resistance or defensiveness in the audience.
Psychologically, when someone is perceived as preachy, it can trigger reactance, where an individual feels compelled to resist being influenced.
Preachiness can sometimes stem from personal insecurities, as some individuals feel the need to assert their beliefs strongly.

Media

In social media, 'preachy' often describes influencers or content creators who push their values or opinions without fostering genuine dialogue.
Many films and books are critiqued for being preachy when they deliver a message in a way that doesn't allow for audience interpretation or engagement.
The term also applies to advertising that adopts a moralistic tone, potentially alienating consumers instead of connecting with them.

Pop Culture

Characters in popular shows like 'The Office' or 'Parks and Recreation' sometimes display preachy behavior, often leading to humorous outcomes.
Preachiness is a common critique in music; songs that deliver a moral lesson can sometimes be viewed as heavy-handed and detract from enjoyment.
In the realm of comedy, preachy jokes tend to receive mixed reactions, as audiences appreciate humor that entertains without a lecture.

Literature

Many classic novels are criticized for preachiness, especially those with strong moral lessons that overshadow character development and plot.
Modern writers often strive to convey messages subtly rather than overtly, avoiding the label of being preachy in contemporary storytelling.
The use of allegory—a literary device where characters or events symbolize a deeper moral lesson—can potentially lead to preachiness if not balanced effectively.

Translations

Translations of the word "preachy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pregador

🇮🇳 उपदेशक

🇩🇪 predigend

🇮🇩 berkhotbah

🇺🇦 повчальний

🇵🇱 kaznodziejski

🇯🇵 説教くさい (sekkyokusa)

🇫🇷 prêcheur

🇪🇸 predicador

🇹🇷 vaaz veren

🇰🇷 설교조의

🇸🇦 واعظ

🇨🇿 kázající

🇸🇰 kazateľský

🇨🇳 说教的 (shuōjiào de)

🇸🇮 pridigarski

🇮🇸 prédikandi

🇰🇿 уағызшы

🇬🇪 ქადაგებითი

🇦🇿 vaz verən

🇲🇽 predicador