Definition & Meaning of "preach"in English

to preach

VERB

to give a religious speech, particularly in a church

Intransitive

Transitive: to preach a sermon

Examples

Every Sunday, the pastor preaches sermons to the congregation, sharing biblical wisdom.

The priest was invited to preach during the special Easter service, focusing on the message of resurrection.

to strongly and sincerely promote or support a particular belief, idea, or course of action

Transitive: to preach a belief or idea

Examples

She constantly preaches the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle.

The leader preached unity and cooperation to the group during the meeting.

to give advice to people about what they should or should not do in a way that might annoy or bore them

Intransitive: to preach about sth

Examples

He tended to preach about the importance of healthy eating and exercise, often lecturing his friends and family during gatherings.

The motivational speaker preached about the power of positivity, urging the audience to embrace optimism in their daily lives.

preach

INTERJECTION

used to show enthusiastic agreement or affirmation, especially in response to someone's passionate or insightful statement

What is the origin and context of use of 'preach'?

As an interjection, "preach" is a colloquial term that has its roots in African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and has gained popularity in broader internet culture. It's often used to emphasize that someone is speaking truthfully or expressing an idea that resonates deeply with the speaker. "Preach" has evolved from its religious and spiritual origins to become a widely used expression of affirmation, encouragement, and solidarity in contemporary language and culture.

Examples

Preach! We need to prioritize mental health and well-being above all else.

Preach! Diversity and inclusion are essential for a thriving workplace culture.

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