What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
preach
Example
The pastor preached about forgiveness during Sunday service. [preached: past tense]
Example
Don't preach to me about healthy eating when you're eating junk food. [preach: verb]
sermonize
Example
I don't want to hear you sermonize about how to live my life. [sermonize: verb]
Example
The politician sermonized about the importance of family values. [sermonized: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Preach is more commonly used than sermonize in everyday language. Preach is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while sermonize is less common and often carries a negative connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between preach and sermonize?
Both preach and sermonize are associated with a formal tone, but preach can also be used in informal contexts, such as giving advice to a friend, while sermonize is typically reserved for more formal or critical situations.
