preach
Americanverb (used with object)
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to proclaim or make known by sermon (the gospel, good tidings, etc.).
-
to deliver (a sermon).
-
to advocate or inculcate (religious or moral truth, right conduct, etc.) in speech or writing.
verb (used without object)
idioms
verb
-
to make known (religious truth) or give religious or moral instruction or exhortation in (sermons)
-
to advocate (a virtue, action, etc), esp in a moralizing way
Other Word Forms
- outpreach verb (used with object)
- preachable adjective
- unpreached adjective
Etymology
Origin of preach
1175–1225; Middle English prechen < Old French pre ( ë ) chier < Late Latin praedicāre to preach ( Latin: to assert publicly, proclaim). See predicate
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The most famous man in America, the man who had preached to her about honesty, the man who Maggie adored, had denied their love.
From Literature
The Olympics that preached harmony finally united in a single city known for love, beauty and grudges.
From Los Angeles Times
While recognising that "we all live in a political context", Machnes told AFP he tries in his work to avoid any "intention to preach".
From Barron's
Mom was still pointlessly reaching into her purse—all because of that “Pay your own way” virtue she and Dad always preached.
From Literature
"He marched, he ran, he organized and he preached justice without apology," Mamdani said.
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
