Definition

1. Verb:
   • To speak in a moralizing or lecturing manner, especially in a way that is perceived as pompous, tedious, or self-righteous. It involves expressing moral judgments or giving advice in a style reminiscent of a formal sermon.

Usage

• The verb "sermonise" is used to describe the act of speaking at length to someone in an instructive or reproving way, often about their behavior or beliefs. It typically carries a negative connotation, implying the speaker is being overly didactic or sanctimonious.
• It is an intransitive verb (e.g., ) but can be used transitively with a preposition like "to" or "at" (e.g., ).

Examples

• Verb:
  • The manager began to sermonise about punctuality and professionalism.
  • I didn't ask for advice; please don't sermonise at me about my life choices.
  • He has a tendency to sermonise on the moral decay of modern society.

Advanced Usage

• "to sermonise on/about something": To give a lengthy, moralizing talk on a particular topic.
  • The politician loved to sermonise about family values.

Variants and Related Words

• Sermon (n): A talk on a religious or moral subject, especially one given during a religious service. This is the noun form from which "sermonise" is derived.
• Sermoniser (n): A person who sermonises.
• Sermonising (n/adj): The act or an instance of delivering a sermon-like talk; (as an adjective) characteristic of such talk.
  • We had to endure his endless sermonising. (n)
  • She gave him a sermonising look. (adj)

Synonyms

• Preach: To deliver a sermon or to advocate earnestly for a principle, policy, or way of life. ("Preach" can be neutral, while "sermonise" is often critical).
• Moralise: To comment on issues of right and wrong, typically with an air of superiority.
• Lecturing: To deliver an educational talk, or to reprimand or warn at length.
• Pontificate: To express one's opinions in a pompous and dogmatic way.

Antonyms

• Listen: To give attention with the ear.
• Converse: To engage in an exchange of ideas or thoughts informally.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions

(This word does not commonly form phrasal verbs. Its usage is typically with prepositions like "to," "at," "on," or "about.")

Related Idioms

• To get on one's soapbox: To express one's opinions passionately or at length in a public manner, often implying the speaker is being preachy.
  • Every time politics is mentioned, he gets on his soapbox and starts to sermonise.

Verb

1. speak as if delivering a sermon; express moral judgements
   • This man always sermonizes