Definition

Noun 1. The act of delivering a sermon or religious discourse: The public proclamation or teaching of religious doctrine, typically by a clergy member or religious figure. 2. A moralistic lecture or admonition: The act of giving earnest advice, correction, or a reprimand, especially in a tedious or self-righteous manner.

Usage and Examples

• The pastor's preaching on compassion moved the entire congregation.
• I'm tired of his constant preaching about healthy eating; I know what I should do.
• Her preaching focused on themes of forgiveness and redemption.
• The article was more like political preaching than objective journalism.

Advanced Usage

• "To practice what one preaches": To behave in the way that one advises others to behave.
  • A good leader should practice what they preach.
• "Preaching to the choir": Trying to persuade people who already agree with you.
  • Telling this environmental group to recycle is just preaching to the choir.

Variants and Related Words

• Preach (verb): To deliver a sermon or to advocate for a principle, belief, or course of action earnestly.
  • He preaches every Sunday.
  • She preaches tolerance and understanding.
• Preacher (noun): A person who preaches, especially a minister or pastor.
• Sermon (noun): A talk on a religious or moral subject, especially one given during a religious service. (This is a close synonym for the first definition of "preaching".)

Synonyms

• (For religious discourse): Sermonizing, homiletics, ministry.
• (For moralistic lecture): Lecturing, moralizing, admonition, exhortation.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Preach to the converted": This has the same meaning as "preaching to the choir."
• "Preach patience/restraint/etc.": To strongly advocate for a particular quality or action.
  • The coach is preaching patience to the young team.

Noun

1. a moralistic rebuke
   • your preaching is wasted on him
2. an address of a religious nature (usually delivered during a church service)