preach

American  

[preech] / pritʃ /

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.

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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.

idioms

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

preach British  

/ 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

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preach More Idioms  

More idioms and phrases containing preach

• practice what you preach

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of preach

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

Example Sentences

Mom was still pointlessly reaching into her purse—all because of that “Pay your own way” virtue she and Dad always preached.

From Literature

"He marched, he ran, he organized and he preached justice without apology," Mamdani said.

From BBC

Jackson traveled the country preaching self-esteem and self-discipline.

From Los Angeles Times

Like in church when the minister waits for you to say “Amen” before he gets on with his preaching.

From Literature

But Truman spent the rest of the speech preaching allyship in a new world where Mexico and the United States should see each other not as enemies but friends.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• exhort
• teach