sermon
word
/ˈsɝmən/
SUR-muhn
/sˈɜːmən/
SUR-muhn
Definition
A sermon is a speech given by a religious leader, usually during a religious service, to give moral or spiritual advice. It can also refer more generally to a long lecture about how people should behave.
Usage & Nuances
Formal in religious context; in daily conversation 'sermon' can also mean a lengthy, moralizing lecture (often negative). Common collocations: 'preach a sermon', 'Sunday sermon'. Not to be confused with 'lecture', which is more academic.
Spanish: sermónPortuguese (BR): sermãoPortuguese (PT): sermãoChinese (Simplified): 布道 - 讲道Chinese (Traditional): 佈道 - 講道Hindi: उपदेशArabic: عظةBengali: প্রবচন - ধর্মোপদেশRussian: проповедьJapanese: 説教Vietnamese: bài giảngKorean: 설교Turkish: vaazUrdu: خطبة - نصیحت (لمبا خطاب)Indonesian: khotbah
Example Sentences
Don't give me a sermon about my mistakes.
natural
After the accident, her father gave her a long sermon.
natural
His sermons always make people think deeply.
natural
The priest gave a sermon on kindness.
basic
The sermon lasted twenty minutes.
basic
I listened carefully to the sermon.
basic