preach

[preech]

verb (used with object)

1. to proclaim or make known by sermon (the gospel, good tidings, etc.).

2. to deliver (a sermon).

3. to advocate or inculcate (religious or moral truth, right conduct, etc.) in speech or writing.

verb (used without object)

1. to deliver a sermon.

2. to give earnest advice, as on religious or moral subjects or the like.

   Synonyms: expound, pronounce, profess, advocate

3. to give earnest advice in an obtrusive or tedious way.

preach

/ priːtʃ /

verb

1. to make known (religious truth) or give religious or moral instruction or exhortation in (sermons)

2. to advocate (a virtue, action, etc), esp in a moralizing way

Other Word Forms

• outpreach verb (used with object)
• unpreached adjective
• preachable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of preach¹

1175–1225; Middle English prechen < Old French pre ( ë ) chier < Late Latin praedicāre to preach ( Latin: to assert publicly, proclaim). See predicate

Word History and Origins

Origin of preach¹

C13: from Old French prechier, from Church Latin praedicāre, from Latin: to proclaim in public; see _predicate

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. preach to the choir. preach to the choir.

More idioms and phrases containing preach

• practice what you preach

Example Sentences

The film preaches that message, while “Peacemaker” surreptitiously places the audience inside its version of a “What If . . .” simulation.

From Salon

But are those words being preached by the new coach?

From Los Angeles Times

This every-other-year, alternating-home-course event that matches the best golfers in the United States against the best in Europe, creates as much emotion as you can find in a sport that preaches controlling that.

From Los Angeles Times

As part of an evangelical ministry, he preached against abortion rights and condemned LGBTQ+ people.

From Salon

Reverend Poppy Hughes, who was asked about those who said vicars should be apolitical, replied: "Jesus preached peace and compassion and that's why I'm here".

From BBC

Related Words

• exhort 
• teach