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v. preached, preach·ing, preach·es v.tr. 1. To proclaim or put forth in a sermon: preached the gospel. 2. To advocate, especially to urge acceptance of or compliance with: preached tolerance and peaceful coexistence. 3. To deliver (a sermon). v.intr. Idiom: 1. To deliver a sermon. 2. To give religious or moral instruction, especially in a tedious manner. preach to the choir/converted To argue in favor of a viewpoint already held by one's audience. [Middle English prechen, from Old French preechier, from Late Latin praedicāre, from Latin, to proclaim : prae-, pre- + dicāre, to proclaim; see deik- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] preaching·ly adv. |
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