sermon
B2Formal (in core religious sense); Informal/pejorative (in extended, figurative sense).
Definition
Meaning
A talk on a religious or moral subject, typically delivered by a clergy member to a congregation.
Any long, serious talk or lecture, especially one that gives advice, criticises, or expresses an opinion in a moralising or tedious way.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The primary meaning is religious. The extended figurative meaning carries a negative connotation of tedious lengthiness and unwelcome moral instruction.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Core meaning identical. The verb form 'to sermonise' (UK) / 'to sermonize' (US) follows regional spelling conventions.
Connotations
Same core and figurative connotations. The phrase 'to give someone a sermon' is equally common in both varieties for the figurative sense.
Frequency
Similar frequency in religious contexts. Slightly more common in general language in the UK in the figurative sense (e.g., 'Don't give me a sermon').
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
VERB + sermon: deliver/preach/give a sermonADJ + sermon: long/moralising/boring sermonsermon + PREP: sermon on/about (a topic)sermon + PREP: sermon to (an audience)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To give/read someone a sermon (on something)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used figuratively to criticise a long, moralising lecture from a manager (e.g., 'After the mistake, the boss gave us a sermon on diligence').
Academic
Rare in core sense except in theological studies. May appear in literary criticism describing a character's moral speech.
Everyday
Mostly used in its figurative, negative sense (e.g., 'My dad gave me a sermon about tidying my room').
Technical
Standard term in theology, religious studies, and church administration.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He loves to sermonise about the virtues of a simple life.
- Stop sermonising and just help me.
American English
- Politicians often sermonize about family values.
- She sermonized for twenty minutes on the budget.
adverb
British English
- (Extremely rare/archaic) 'Sermonisingly' - used in literary contexts.
- He spoke sermonisingly of past glories.
American English
- (Extremely rare/archaic) 'Sermonizingly' - not in common use.
- She wrote sermonizingly about the topic.
adjective
British English
- (Rare, as adjective) His sermon-like delivery bored the audience.
- A sermonic tone crept into his advice.
American English
- (Rare, as adjective) Her remarks took on a sermon-like quality.
- He avoided a sermonic approach in his writing.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We listened to a sermon in church.
- The priest gave a short sermon.
- The vicar's sermon was about helping others.
- I don't need a sermon from you about being late.
- His insightful sermon challenged the congregation's views.
- After I failed the test, my teacher delivered a ten-minute sermon on the importance of revision.
- The novel's protagonist launches into a protracted sermon on the emptiness of modern consumerism.
- Her critique devolved into a moralising sermon that alienated her colleagues.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A SERMON is a SERious MONologue from a preacher or parent.
Conceptual Metaphor
MORAL INSTRUCTION/CRITICISM IS A RELIGIOUS SPEECH.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'проповедь', which is neutral/positive. The figurative negative sense in English is closer to 'нотация', 'назидательная речь', or 'читать мораль'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'sermon' as a neutral synonym for 'presentation' or 'lecture' (it is rarely neutral).
- Incorrect preposition: 'sermon for' instead of 'sermon on/about'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'sermon' most likely to be used in a NEGATIVE or CRITICAL sense?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is almost always used figuratively and negatively to describe a tedious, moralising lecture from someone like a parent, teacher, or boss.
A 'lecture' is a neutral, educational talk. A 'sermon' is inherently moral or religious. When 'sermon' is used figuratively for a non-religious talk, it implies unwanted moral criticism and tedious length.
Yes, the verb is 'to sermonise' (UK) / 'to sermonize' (US). It means to deliver or compose a sermon, or more commonly, to lecture someone in a pompous or moralising way.
They are close synonyms in the religious sense. 'Homily' often implies a more informal, explanatory talk based on a biblical text, while 'sermon' is a broader term. 'Homily' is less commonly used in the negative figurative sense.