preach
[verb]
Synonyms:
- deliver a sermon, address, evangelize
- lecture, advocate, exhort, moralize, sermonize

---

Related Words: minister, mission, missionary, prophesy, address, lecture, speak, talk

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

preach /priːtʃ/ verb
[Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: prechier, from Late Latin praedicare, from Latin dicare 'to say publicly']

1. [intransitive and transitive] to talk about a religious subject in a public place, especially in a church during a service
preach to
Christ began preaching to large crowds.
preach on/about
The vicar preached a sermon about the prodigal son.
He traveled the southern states, preaching the gospel.

2. [transitive] to talk about how good or important something is and try to persuade other people about this:
Alexander has been preaching patience.
preach the virtues/merits/benefits of something
a politician preaching the virtues of a free market

3. [intransitive] to give someone advice, especially about their behaviour, in a way that they think is boring or annoying
preach about
grown-ups preaching about the evils of drugs

4. preach to the converted/choir to talk about what you think is right or important to people who already have the same opinions as you
⇒ practise what you preach at practise(5)

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲