What does sermonizing mean?
Sermonizing means delivering a sermon or giving earnest moral instruction. In its religious sense, it describes a formal address about spiritual, ethical, or scriptural matters. In broader, more critical usage, it refers to repeated admonitions about proper conduct, often suggesting that the speaker is being preachy, overbearing, or self-righteous. The word can therefore sound respectful in a church or other religious setting but negative when applied to ordinary conversation. A person who sermonizes may be sincerely trying to encourage virtue, although the term is often used to criticize people who repeat obvious moral lessons or lecture others unnecessarily. The form is the present participle of sermonize, and it appears in both literal religious descriptions and figurative commentary on public moralizing.
To deliver a sermon or preach a religious discourse.
"The reverend sermonized on the importance of forgiveness."
Formal and religious in its literal sense; the word is more common in descriptions of religious services than in everyday speech.
To give moral instruction or admonish others, especially at excessive length.
"Her parents were always sermonizing about the dangers of laziness."
Often disapproving or humorous, implying that the admonition is overbearing, repetitive, or unsolicited.
Sermonizing can describe both a minister's sacred address and a friend's relentless lecture on how everyone should behave.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sermonizing come from?
The word comes from sermon, which entered English through Old French sermoun from Latin sermo, meaning a discourse or formal talk. The verb sermonize developed from this noun in the 19th century, originally in the sense of delivering a sermon and later acquiring the broader meaning of giving moral instruction. Related forms such as homily and homiletic come from the same Greek and Latin tradition of religious teaching and discourse.
Related word forms
How sermonizing is actually used
In religious contexts, the word is formal and generally neutral. In everyday use, it often carries a mildly disapproving or humorous connotation, suggesting moralizing that is excessive, repetitive, or unsolicited.
Easily confused with sermonizing
A sermon is the religious discourse itself, while sermonizing is the act of delivering or giving moral instruction.
Sermonizing can be a formal religious activity, whereas moralize usually means to express moral judgments or admonish people.