proselytize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, sometimes academic or religious. Often carries a negative connotation of unwanted persuasion.
Quick answer
What does “proselytize” mean?
To try to persuade someone to join your religion, political party, or cause.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To try to persuade someone to join your religion, political party, or cause.
To advocate for a belief, doctrine, or course of action with the intent of converting others to it; to recruit or evangelize, often with a sense of zealous or insistent persuasion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the spelling 'proselytize'. British English also accepts 'proselytise', but 'proselytize' is dominant in published works.
Connotations
Equally negative or neutral in both, dependent on context. The concept is closely associated with historical Christian missionary activity, which is a shared cultural reference.
Frequency
Slightly more common in American English, likely due to a higher frequency of public discourse around religion and evangelism.
Grammar
How to Use “proselytize” in a Sentence
[Subject] proselytizes[Subject] proselytizes [to/among Object][Subject] proselytizes [for Cause]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “proselytize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- It is considered impolite to proselytise at the workplace.
- The group was accused of seeking to proselytise among vulnerable communities.
American English
- The law protects your right to proselytize, but not to harass.
- She moved to the region to proselytize for her faith.
adverb
British English
- He spoke proselytisingly about the benefits of the new policy.
- They campaigned proselytisingly door-to-door.
American English
- She argued proselytizingly for the candidate throughout the dinner.
- The book is written proselytizingly to win converts.
adjective
British English
- The organisation's proselytising zeal made some locals uneasy.
- He gave a proselytising speech at the union hall.
American English
- They took a strongly proselytizing approach to marketing the ideology.
- The pamphlet had a proselytizing tone.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically: 'The new CEO proselytized his management philosophy to every department.'
Academic
Common in religious studies, sociology, and political science to describe conversion activities.
Everyday
Used with a negative tone to describe someone pushing their views too aggressively: 'He's always proselytizing about his new diet.'
Technical
Specific term in religious studies and sociology of religion.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “proselytize”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “proselytize”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “proselytize”
- Misspelling: 'proselytise' (UK variant) is acceptable but less common than 'proselytize'. 'Proselytise' is a common error in American contexts.
- Confusing with 'prosecute'.
- Using it in a purely positive sense without awareness of its often negative connotations.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while its origins and most common use are religious, it is now used for any attempt to convert someone to a belief, ideology, or cause, such as politics, environmentalism, or a business methodology.
They are often synonyms, especially in a religious context. 'Evangelize' is more specifically Christian in origin, while 'proselytize' can be broader. 'Evangelize' can sometimes have a more positive connotation among believers, whereas 'proselytize' is more frequently used with a critical tone by outsiders.
In most countries with freedom of speech, proselytizing is legal. However, it can be restricted in certain contexts (e.g., in schools, in the military, or when it constitutes harassment) or in countries with laws against conversion from the state religion.
The noun is 'proselytism'. A person who proselytizes is a 'proselytizer' (or 'proselytiser') or a 'proselyte', though 'proselyte' more specifically means a person who has been converted.
To try to persuade someone to join your religion, political party, or cause.
Proselytize is usually formal, sometimes academic or religious. often carries a negative connotation of unwanted persuasion. in register.
Proselytize: in British English it is pronounced /ˈprɒs.əl.ɪ.taɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈprɑː.sə.lə.taɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this verb. Related: 'preach to the choir', 'missionary zeal'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PROfessional SELler trying to capTIZE (capitalize on) your beliefs - a PRO-SEL-Y-TIZE-r.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEAS ARE A RELIGION (to proselytize an idea), PERSUASION IS A JOURNEY (to bring someone over to your side).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the use of 'proselytize' MOST likely to be neutral or descriptive rather than negative?