Sermon: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ“–
Add to dictionary

sermon

 

[ หˆsษœห.mษ™n ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

religious gathering

A sermon is a speech given by a religious leader during a religious service. It is intended to provide moral or spiritual guidance to the listeners and often includes teachings from religious texts or personal reflections.

Synonyms

address, discourse, homily.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
sermon

Commonly used in a religious context, such as during a church service or religious gathering. It often involves a long, solemn talk on a moral or spiritual subject.

  • The pastor delivered a powerful sermon on forgiveness.
  • She listened to the sermon every Sunday morning.
homily

Similar to a sermon, but often shorter and more focused on practical life lessons or moral teachings, typically within a religious service.

  • The priest's homily was brief but impactful.
  • She gave a touching homily during the wedding ceremony.
discourse

Used in both academic and formal contexts, usually referring to a detailed, extended discussion on a specific topic.

  • The professor's discourse on climate change was very enlightening.
  • They had a lengthy discourse on the future of technology.
address

Typically used in a formal setting when someone speaks to an audience, such as during a public event, graduation, or official ceremony.

  • The president's address to the nation was broadcast live.
  • He gave a moving address at the graduation ceremony.

Examples of usage

  • The priest delivered a powerful sermon on forgiveness.
  • During the sermon, the pastor quoted from the Bible.
Context #2 | Noun

lengthy lecture

In a more general sense, a sermon can refer to any lengthy or tedious speech or lecture that seems to preach or teach the audience in a moralizing or pompous manner.

Synonyms

diatribe, harangue, lecture.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
sermon

Used in a religious context, typically delivered by a member of the clergy to a congregation, often about moral or spiritual topics.

  • The pastor gave a powerful sermon on the importance of forgiveness
lecture

A formal talk on a serious subject, typically given as part of a teaching or academic setting. It can also refer to a reprimanding speech.

  • The professor's lecture on quantum physics was both informative and engaging
  • After arriving late, he gave them a stern lecture on the importance of punctuality
harangue

A lengthy and aggressive speech, often meant to persuade or reprimand a large group of people. This term can have a negative connotation depending on the tone and intent.

  • The coach's harangue motivated the team to play harder, but left some players feeling demoralized
diatribe

A bitter and forceful verbal attack, usually expressing strong disapproval or criticism. This word often carries a negative connotation.

  • The politician launched into a diatribe against the opposing party's policies

Examples of usage

  • The politician's speech felt more like a sermon on civic duty.
  • I don't need another sermon about time management.

Translations

Translations of the word "sermon" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น sermรฃo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเฅเคฐเคตเคšเคจ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Predigt

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ khutbah

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟั€ะพะฟะพะฒั–ะดัŒ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ kazanie

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่ชฌๆ•™ (ใ›ใฃใใ‚‡ใ†)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท sermon

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ sermรณn

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท vaaz

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์„ค๊ต (seolgyo)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฎุทุจุฉ (khutbah)

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ kรกzรกnรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ kรกzanie

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ฎฒ้“ (jiวŽngdร o)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ pridiga

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ predikun

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฝะฐัะธั…ะฐั‚

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฅแƒแƒ“แƒแƒ’แƒ”แƒ‘แƒ (kadageba)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ vaaz

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ sermรณn

Etymology

The word 'sermon' originated from the Latin word 'sermonem', which means 'discourse, talk'. It has been used in the context of religious gatherings for centuries, dating back to early Christian traditions. Sermons have played a significant role in shaping religious beliefs and practices, as well as serving as a form of moral instruction and guidance.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,885 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.