homilist: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Literary, Theological
Quick answer
What does “homilist” mean?
A person who delivers a homily.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who delivers a homily; a preacher or religious lecturer.
More broadly, any speaker or writer who gives moralizing or instructive talks, often in a somewhat predictable or conventional manner.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British academic or high-church contexts.
Connotations
Neutral to slightly archaic or specialized. Implies a focus on sermonizing.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both dialects. Used almost exclusively in religious, historical, or literary discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “homilist” in a Sentence
[Homilist] + [verb: preaches/delivers/writes] + [homily/sermon][Adjective] + [homilist] + [preposition: for/of] + [congregation/audience]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in theology, religious studies, literary criticism (e.g., discussing the homilist Ælfric).
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would likely be replaced by 'preacher' or 'speaker'.
Technical
Specific term in homiletics (the art of preaching) and historical liturgical studies.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “homilist”
- Misspelling as 'homilest' or 'homilyist'.
- Using it interchangeably with 'priest' or 'pastor' (a homilist is a role, not an office).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A priest is a religious office. A homilist is someone who delivers homilies; a priest may act as a homilist, but so can a layperson or a deacon.
Potentially, yes. In a secular or critical context, it can imply someone who is moralising in a tedious, predictable, or overly simplistic way.
A 'preacher' is a broader term. A 'homilist' is a specific type of preacher whose sermons (homilies) are typically based on a scriptural passage and are expository or instructional in nature.
For general English learners, no. It is a C2-level, highly specialised word. It is essential only for those studying theology, religious history, or related academic fields.
A person who delivers a homily.
Homilist is usually formal, literary, theological in register.
Homilist: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɒm.ɪ.lɪst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɑː.mə.lɪst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this word.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A HOMILIST delivers a HOMILY. It's like a 'specialIST' in 'homilIES'.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE PREACHER IS A CRAFTSMAN (weaves sermons, builds arguments).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'homilist' most precisely and frequently used?