Preaching Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈprɛtʃɪŋ/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

The act of proclaiming or setting forth a doctrine, principle, or law; the act of teaching or instructing people about a particular subject or belief.

Examples

• The pastor’s Sunday sermon was a powerful example of preaching.
• The professor’s lectures were a form of preaching to the uninitiated.

Synonyms

• Preacher
• Proclamation

Antonyms

• Silence
• Indifference

Etymology

The word “preaching” comes from the Old English word “præcian,” meaning “to proclaim” or “to declare.” It has been used in the English language since the 13th century.

Usage Notes

Preaching is often used to describe spoken or written communication that aims to convey a message or teach a lesson. It can be formal, such as a sermon, or informal, such as a casual conversation.

Cultural References

Preaching has been depicted in various forms of media, including literature, film, and television. Examples include the character of Rev. Harry Powell in the film “The Night of the Hunter” and the novel “The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao” by Junot Díaz.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Some common idiomatic expressions or phrases that include the word “preaching” are “preaching to the choir” (speaking to those who already agree with you), “preaching to the converted” (speaking to those who are already converted or persuaded), and “a preaching to the wind” (speaking to those who are unwilling or unable to listen).

Related Words or Phrases

Words or phrases closely related to “preaching” include “speaker,” “preacher,” “proclamation,” and “evangelism.”

Collocations

Common collocations with the term “preaching” include “preaching to the choir,” “preaching to the converted,” and “preaching from the rooftops.”

Frequency of Use

The word “preaching” is relatively infrequent in everyday conversation, but it is commonly used in formal or religious contexts, such as sermons, lectures, or speeches.

Common Misspellings

Common misspellings of the word “preaching” include “preaching,” “preaching,” and “preachy.”