predicatory

A preacher delivers a predicatory sermon from the pulpit.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to preaching: "predicatory" describes something that pertains to or is characteristic of preaching, especially in a formal or religious context.
   • Given to preaching: It can also refer to a person who is inclined to preach or deliver sermons, often in a didactic or moralizing manner.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The minister's predicatory style was both inspiring and instructive. (His manner of preaching was formal and educational.)
  • Her predicatory tone in the debate made her seem overly moralistic. (Her tendency to preach or lecture came across as preachy.)

Advanced Usage

• "a predicatory sermon": a sermon that is explicitly meant to instruct or exhort.

  • The pastor delivered a predicatory sermon on the importance of humility. (A sermon focused on teaching and moral guidance.)

• "predicatory rhetoric": speech or writing that is heavily moralizing or preachy.

  • The politician's predicatory rhetoric alienated many voters. (His speech was perceived as lecturing rather than persuading.)

Variants and Related Words

• Predicate (v): to declare or affirm as true; in grammar, to state something about a subject.

  • The scientist predicated the theory on empirical evidence. (The theory was based on observed data.)

• Predication (n): the act of asserting or stating something about a subject.

  • The predication of the law's fairness is debatable. (The claim that the law is fair can be questioned.)

• Predicator (n): a person who preaches or delivers a sermon.

  • The predicator spoke for an hour on the topic of forgiveness. (The preacher delivered a long sermon.)

Synonyms

• Preaching: giving moral or religious advice in a tedious or self-righteous way.
• Didactic: intended to teach or instruct, often in a moralizing manner.
• Homiletic: relating to the art of preaching or composing sermons.

Related Idioms

• To preach to the choir: to argue a point to those who already agree.

  • His predicatory remarks were unnecessary because he was preaching to the choir. (He was addressing an audience that already shared his views.)

• To be on a soapbox: to express strong opinions in a preachy or self-righteous way.

  • She got on her soapbox and gave a predicatory speech about environmentalism. (She lectured others in a moralizing tone.)