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

Derived Forms

• ˈpreachable, adjective

Other Words From

• out·preach verb (used with object)
• un·preached 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

In addition to the idiom beginning with preach , also see practice what you preach .

Example Sentences

While analytics will preach that you must shoot the three and post-up moves are virtually extinct from today’s game, the Lakers have gotten back to the finals doing the exact opposite.

From Ozy

So if I’m going to preach that, I better be practicing it every day.

From Ozy

The fact that diversity execs aren’t just preaching to the converted internally now is evidence of this.

From Digiday

Both issues are of acute concern for a president who preaches the need for self-sufficiency.

From Ozy

At Coffee Creek, his evangelical church outside Oklahoma City, he had preached on racial justice for the past three weeks.

From MIT Technology Review

At Christianity Today, Peter Chin claims Christians should preach peace instead of bogging down in the particulars of race.

From The Daily Beast

Priests often preach support for the regime to their congregations, many of whom loudly dissent.

From The Daily Beast

In letters to Theo, Vincent would preach to younger brother the virtues of life.

From The Daily Beast

Sex and the City fans were right behind her, ready to preach.

From The Daily Beast

We should partner with them to get the message across, have them at the table, and listen rather than preach.

From The Daily Beast

When I am an old maid I am going to mount the platform and preach the training of the voice in childhood.

From Project Gutenberg

But it is emulating Mrs. Partington and her mop to attempt to preach down a (p. 206) world.

From Project Gutenberg

"I don't allow a parson's wife to preach to me about my duty, or to interfere wi' my family matters," said Rushmere, dryly.

From Project Gutenberg

Many of us think it would be well if we could find a reliable man who could work and who could preach during the hours of rest.

From Project Gutenberg

Arise and go to Ninive, the great city, and preach in it: For the wickedness thereof is come up before me.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• admonish
• exhort