preach

preach · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    To deliver a sermon or religious address to an assembled group of people.

  2. 2.

    To earnestly advocate or recommend a belief or course of action.

  3. 3.

    To give moral advice in an annoying or tiresome way.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    preach to the choir — To advocate something to people who already believe it
  • •
    practice what you preach — To do what you advise others to do
  • •
    preach the gospel — To spread religious teachings; to enthusiastically promote something

Related words

Antonyms: heed, listen
See also: advocate, sermon, teach
Synonyms: advocate, lecture, proclaim, sermonize

Etymology

From Old French prechier (Modern French prêcher), from Latin praedicare ("to proclaim publicly"), from prae- ("before") + dicare ("to make known").