sermonize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Very Low FrequencyFormal, Literary, Often Pejorative
Quick answer
What does “sermonize” mean?
To deliver a moral or religious lecture in a lengthy, tedious, or pompous manner.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To deliver a moral or religious lecture in a lengthy, tedious, or pompous manner.
To lecture someone in a moralizing, didactic, or patronizing way, especially about their behaviour.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Slightly more common in British literary and journalistic contexts.
Connotations
Equally pejorative in both varieties. Implies pomposity and a lack of self-awareness in the speaker.
Frequency
Rare in everyday speech in both regions. More likely found in writing or descriptive speech.
Grammar
How to Use “sermonize” in a Sentence
[Subject] sermonizes[Subject] sermonizes to [Recipient][Subject] sermonizes about/on [Topic]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sermonize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The vicar would sermonize at great length on the perils of idleness.
- I wish he'd stop sermonising about healthy eating every time I have a biscuit.
American English
- The politician sermonized about family values while the crowd grew restless.
- She has a habit of sermonizing on any topic, from politics to proper grammar.
adverb
British English
- N/A (The related adverb is 'sermonizingly', but it is extremely rare).
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A (The related adjective is 'sermonizing', as in 'a sermonizing tone').
American English
- N/A (The related adjective is 'sermonizing', as in 'his sermonizing manner was off-putting').
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could be used critically: 'The CEO sermonized about work ethic while cutting benefits.'
Academic
Found in literary criticism or historical texts describing rhetorical styles.
Everyday
Very rare. Used humorously or critically: 'Dad sermonized about my messy room for an hour.'
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sermonize”
- Using it as a neutral synonym for 'preach'.
- Misspelling as 'sermonise' (UK variant is accepted).
- Using it without a negative context where 'lecture' would be more neutral.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While both relate to delivering a sermon or moral lesson, 'preach' can be neutral or positive. 'Sermonize' is almost always negative, implying the lecture is tedious, pompous, or unwelcome.
It is highly unusual and would likely be interpreted as ironic or sarcastic. The word's core meaning contains a pejorative judgement on the speaker's style.
The related noun is 'sermonizing' (the act of doing it), as in 'I'm tired of his constant sermonizing.' The standard noun 'sermon' is not pejorative.
Yes, 'sermonise' is the standard British English spelling variant, following the -ise/-ize pattern. Both are accepted in the UK, but -ize is also correct.
To deliver a moral or religious lecture in a lengthy, tedious, or pompous manner.
Sermonize is usually formal, literary, often pejorative in register.
Sermonize: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɜː.mə.naɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɝː.mə.naɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To sermonize from the pulpit (literal & figurative)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a SERMON of enormous SIZE - that's what it feels like when someone SERMONIZES at you.
Conceptual Metaphor
MORAL INSTRUCTION IS A SERMON (often a BAD SERMON).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'sermonize' MOST appropriately used?