What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pontificate
Example
He loves to pontificate about politics, even though he doesn't really know much about it. [pontificate: verb]
Example
The professor's pontification on the topic was met with skepticism from some students. [pontification: noun]
sermonize
Example
She always sermonizes about the importance of healthy eating, but she herself doesn't follow her own advice. [sermonize: verb]
Example
I don't like it when people sermonize to me about how to live my life. [sermonize: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sermonize is more commonly used than pontificate in everyday language. Sermonize is often used to describe a person who gives unsolicited advice or lectures in a preachy or sanctimonious way, while pontificate is less common and has a more specific connotation.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between pontificate and sermonize?
Both pontificate and sermonize are informal words that are not typically used in formal contexts. However, pontificate may be seen as slightly more formal due to its origins in the Catholic Church.
