preach

Everyday

1. (church) To give a religious talk, called a sermon, to people, usually in a church. tree →
2. To tell others strongly that something is right and that they should do it: «preach kindness». tree →
3. (informal, disapproving) To give advice or tell people what is right in an annoying, bossy way: «Stop preaching at me!» tree →

In the lessons

In church life the priest, minister or pastor preaches a sermon; in the Bible Jesus and the apostles preach the good news. In everyday life «preach» can be a complaint about someone lecturing others. Phrases: «preach a sermon», «preach the gospel», «practise what you preach» (do what you tell others to do), «preach to the converted» (tell people what they already believe), «preaching to the choir».

Examples

• The vicar preached about forgiveness on Sunday. tree →
• Jesus preached to crowds by the lake. tree →
• Mum always says we should practise what we preach. tree →
• Don't preach at me, I know I made a mistake. tree →
• The coach preaches teamwork every training session. tree →
• John the Baptist preached in the desert. tree →
• Telling our class to recycle was preaching to the converted. tree →
• They were going to hear the clergyman preach. tree →

Note

Regular verb: preached, preaching. A person who preaches is a preacher; the talk is a sermon. «Preach to» someone, «preach about» something. In the informal sense it is often unkind, like «lecture».

In Jewish tradition

To preach means to speak out, often as a prophet. Micah's hearers tell him not to preach, and Ezekiel is told to speak against Jerusalem.

Interpretation. The Hebrew words really mean "drip" or "speak out", and the psalm uses it for telling of God's justice to all.

Examples

• 'Preach ye not', they preach; 'They shall not preach of these things, that they shall not take shame.' (Prophets MIC.2.6, JPS 1917) tree →
• I have preached righteousness in the great congregation, lo, I did not refrain my lips; O LORD, Thou knowest. (Writings PSA.40.10, JPS 1917) tree →
• 'Son of man, set thy face toward Jerusalem, and preach toward the sanctuaries, and prophesy against the land of Israel; (Prophets EZK.21.7, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Regular verb: preached, preaching. A person who preaches is a preacher; the talk is a sermon. «Preach to» someone, «preach about» something. In the informal sense it is often unkind, like «lecture».