homily
C1/C2Formal, literary, sometimes pejorative
Definition
Meaning
A sermon, especially one that gives moral advice in a somewhat dull or predictable way.
Any tedious, moralizing lecture or admonition, often delivered in a platitudinous manner.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Carries connotations of being overly preachy, long-winded, or lacking originality. Often implies a moral lesson delivered in a boring or sanctimonious fashion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is similar, but slightly more common in British literary and religious contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, often implies tediousness or unwelcome moralizing.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday speech; mostly found in writing, criticism, or religious contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
deliver/give a homily on/about [topic]subject someone to a homilylaunch into a homilyVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Launch into a homily”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. May be used metaphorically for a long, moralizing speech from a manager.
Academic
Used in literary criticism, theology, and rhetoric to describe didactic passages.
Everyday
Very rare. Might be used humorously or sarcastically.
Technical
In theology, refers specifically to a sermon explaining a Biblical passage.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The vicar homilised at length about community values.
- He has a tendency to homilise on every minor transgression.
American English
- The pastor homilized about forgiveness during the service.
- She homilized on the virtues of hard work.
adverb
British English
- N/A (No standard adverb form in use)
American English
- N/A (No standard adverb form in use)
adjective
British English
- N/A (No standard adjective form in use)
American English
- N/A (No standard adjective form in use)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The priest gave a homily in church.
- After I was late, my boss delivered a short homily about punctuality.
- The novel's concluding chapter reads like a moral homily on the dangers of greed.
- Weary of the politician's familiar homily on family values, the audience grew restless.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'HOME-ly' advice – the kind of boring, moral talk you might get at home.
Conceptual Metaphor
MORAL ADVICE IS A MONOLOGUE / BORING SPEECH IS A BURDEN
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not a direct equivalent of 'проповедь' (which is more neutral 'sermon'). 'Homily' is more critical.
- False friend with Russian 'гомілія' (obsolete/ecclesiastical).
Common Mistakes
- Confusing with 'homily' (noun) and 'homily' as an adjective (it is not).
- Using it as a neutral term for any sermon.
- Misspelling as 'homilly' or 'homely'.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most critical connotation often associated with 'homily'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Historically, yes. In modern usage, it's often used secularly to describe any boring, moralizing lecture.
In strict religious terms, a homily is a type of sermon that explains a Biblical passage. Colloquially, 'homily' is more likely to be used pejoratively.
Yes, though rare. 'To homilize' (US) / 'homilise' (UK) means to deliver a homily or lecture moralistically.
It is primarily a noun.
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