homiletics: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Academic, Formal, Theological
Quick answer
What does “homiletics” mean?
The art, study, or practice of preaching or composing sermons.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The art, study, or practice of preaching or composing sermons.
The branch of theological study concerned with the composition and delivery of sermons. The principles and techniques of effective religious discourse.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The term is equally used in theological contexts in both varieties.
Connotations
Strongly associated with formal theological education, seminaries, and professional pastoral training. No regional connotations.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general discourse. Used exclusively within theological, religious, and academic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “homiletics” in a Sentence
study [object] homileticsteach [object] homileticsspecialise in [object] homileticsthe [object] of homileticsVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Almost never used.
Academic
Primary context. Used in theological seminaries, religious studies departments, and scholarly papers on rhetoric or religion.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Specific technical term within theology and pastoral ministry.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “homiletics”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “homiletics”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “homiletics”
- Using as a countable noun (e.g., 'a homiletics').
- Confusing with 'hermeneutics' (biblical interpretation).
- Misspelling as 'homiletix' or 'homilectics'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a specialised subset of public speaking focused specifically on the composition and delivery of religious sermons.
One principle is the 'three-point sermon', a traditional structure with an introduction, three main points derived from a biblical text, and a conclusion.
Primarily seminary students, theology students, and individuals training for ordained ministry in various religious traditions.
Hermeneutics is the theory and methodology of interpretation, especially of biblical texts. Homiletics applies that interpretation to the craft of preaching. One interprets the text; the other communicates it.
The art, study, or practice of preaching or composing sermons.
Homiletics is usually academic, formal, theological in register.
Homiletics: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhɒmɪˈlɛtɪks/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhɑːməˈlɛtɪks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly related to the word itself.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a HOMEY LECTURE in church: HOMI-LETics is the study of giving such lectures (sermons).
Conceptual Metaphor
PREACHING IS A CRAFT / PREACHING IS AN ART (homiletics is the study of this craft/art).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary field of study for 'homiletics'?