predicar
preach
Definition & meaning
The verb predicar primarily refers to the act of preaching or delivering a religious sermon. It involves publicly announcing or teaching a religious doctrine with the intent of instructing or persuading an audience.
In a broader, secular sense, it means to advocate for or promote a specific idea, moral principle, or way of life. It is frequently used in the common Spanish idiom "predicar con el ejemplo," which translates to practicing what one preaches or leading by example.
Additionally, the word can have a slightly negative or colloquial connotation, meaning to lecture or scold someone at length, often in a repetitive or tiresome manner.
Grammar & Word origin
Grammar: Predicar is a regular verb of the first conjugation (-ar). Like many verbs ending in -car, it undergoes an orthographic change in the first person singular of the preterite tense (yo prediqué) to maintain the hard "k" sound before the letter "e".
Word origin: This term derives from the Latin verb praedicare, which consists of the prefix prae- (before or in front) and dicare (to proclaim or make known). Historically, it meant to announce something publicly or to make an official proclamation.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- evangelizar: Specifically used for preaching the Christian gospel.
- sermonear: Often used when someone gives a moralizing lecture.
- abogar: To advocate for a cause or position.
- difundir: To spread or disseminate ideas or information.
- aleccionar: To instruct or give a lesson to someone.
- amonestar: To reprimand or give a warning lecture.
Antonyms:
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Examples
Me pareció escuchar al hombre predicar a favor de la justicia.verb
It seemed to me that I heard the man preach in favor of justice.
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