preacher

Everyday

1. A person who gives religious talks (sermons), especially in a church. tree →
2. (informal, negative) A person who keeps telling others how they should behave: «Stop being such a preacher!» tree →

In the lessons

In stories and history a travelling preacher speaks to crowds; in everyday life a minister, priest or pastor preaches on Sundays. In talk, «preachy» means lecturing others about right and wrong. Phrases: «a lay preacher», «preaching to the choir/converted» (telling people what they already agree with), «practise what you preach».

Examples

• The preacher spoke to a crowd in the square. tree →
• Our village preacher tells funny stories. tree →
• The old preacher rode from town to town. tree →
• My big sister is such a preacher about healthy food! tree →
• "Practise what you preach," said Mum. tree →
• The preacher's voice filled the church. tree →
• Many preachers spoke out against slavery. tree →
• It was dreadful to hear all that, for the preacher spoke from his heart, and all the people in the church were terrified. tree →

Note

Countable: preachers. From «preach». «Preachy» is a mildly negative adjective. Respect different beliefs: preachers come from many religions.

In Jewish tradition

A preacher is one who speaks out. In Micah it is meant sarcastically: the people want a preacher who promises only wine and drink.

Interpretation. It shows that people prefer pleasant lies to hard truths, as prophets often complained.

Examples

• If a man walking in wind and falsehood do lie: 'I will preach unto thee of wine and of strong drink'; he shall even be the preacher of this people. (Prophets MIC.2.11, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Countable: preachers. From «preach». «Preachy» is a mildly negative adjective. Respect different beliefs: preachers come from many religions.