Preach Meaning

Preach

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. To deliver a sermon or religious message to an audience, typically in a place of worship.
2. To advocate or promote a particular belief, idea, or viewpoint to others, often in a persuasive or moralizing manner.
3. To teach or instruct, particularly in a moral or philosophical context.

History and Origin

The word “preach” comes from the Latin praedicare, meaning “to proclaim publicly,” which is derived from prae- (before) and dicare (to say). It entered the English language around the 13th century and was initially used in the context of religious preaching, referring to the public proclamation of religious beliefs or teachings. Over time, it broadened to include the general idea of promoting or advocating for any set of ideas or principles.

Detailed Explanation

“Preach” is commonly associated with religious activities, where clergy members deliver sermons to guide the spiritual lives of their congregations. However, the term has expanded to encompass the act of advocating or promoting beliefs, values, or ideas, often in a persuasive or insistent way. To “preach” can also imply offering moral guidance, whether or not the subject matter is religious. In casual contexts, it may be used to describe the act of giving unsolicited advice or trying to influence others in a way that is perceived as overly zealous or preachy.

Example Sentences

1. The pastor preached about kindness and forgiveness during the Sunday service.
2. He was always preaching about the importance of healthy living to anyone who would listen.
3. She tried to preach her environmental values to the group, hoping to inspire change.
4. The teacher preached patience and hard work to her students.
5. He would often preach to his friends about the dangers of smoking, but they ignored his advice.
6. The preacher preached for an hour, urging the congregation to help those in need.
7. She was tired of hearing him preach about the benefits of meditation without trying it herself.
8. Many people don’t want to hear others preach, especially when the advice is unsolicited.
9. The young activist preached about social justice at the rally.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Advocate – To publicly support or argue in favor of a particular cause or idea.
2. Promote – To encourage or support the growth or acceptance of something, often in a persuasive way.
3. Proclaim – To announce or declare something, often in an official or authoritative manner.
4. Teach – To instruct or provide knowledge on a particular subject, sometimes with a moral or ethical perspective.
5. Evangelize – To preach or spread the message of a belief, often in the context of religion or a cause.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Sermon – A religious address or speech, often delivered by a preacher, offering moral or spiritual guidance.
2. Clergy – Religious leaders who typically preach and guide their congregations in spiritual matters.
3. Missionary – A person who preaches or spreads religious beliefs, often in foreign or underserved areas.
4. Doctrine – A set of beliefs or principles taught by a particular group, often the focus of preaching.
5. Moralize – To preach or express moral lessons, often in a way that is perceived as overly judgmental.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Lecture – An educational talk, often delivered to impart knowledge or information, sometimes similar to preaching in tone.
2. Homily – A short sermon or religious speech, often focusing on practical lessons from scripture.
3. Admonish – To warn or reprimand, often in a moral or corrective way, similar to preaching advice.
4. Instruct – To provide detailed information or teaching, often with an emphasis on guidance or training.
5. Exhort – To strongly encourage or urge someone to take a particular action or adopt a certain belief.

Antonyms

1. Listen
2. Ignore
3. Distract
4. Dissuade
5. Reject