WordGarden.iopreachy
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /prˈiːtʃi/
US
- /ˈpritʃi/
Meanings
Adjective
overly moralizing or lecturing in tone
like a sermon or religious preaching
Beyond the definition
If someone is described as "preachy," it means they give advice or moral lessons in a way that feels annoying or condescending, as if they think they know better than everyone else. It is not just about giving advice, but about doing it with a "holier-than-thou" attitude. Think of the teacher who keeps telling you what you should do, even when you did not ask. A movie character might seem preachy if they keep giving speeches about how everyone else is living the wrong way. It is often used for someone who talks down to others while trying to sound wise.
To call someone "preachy" isn't simply acknowledging that they offer advice; it's pointing out how they do so. A preachy person delivers moral lectures or unsolicited guidance with an air of superiority, as if their way is the only right way. It implies a lack of sensitivity to others and a tendency to judge.
The word carries a negative connotation—no one likes being told what to do by someone who seems to think they're above everyone else! You might describe a politician as preachy if they constantly emphasize their own virtue while criticizing opponents, or a friend as preachy if they always interrupt your stories with lessons about how you should have handled things.
"Preachy" can also apply to works of art—a movie, book, or song that feels overly didactic and focused on delivering a message rather than telling a compelling story. For example, you might say, "The film was well-intentioned but ultimately felt preachy." It's about the tone of the messaging: heavy-handed and self-important.
So, if someone is lecturing, moralizing, or acting as though they have all the answers, chances are they're coming across as… preachy. And people generally don't appreciate it!
Examples
- 1
Story ending
The ending felt a little preachy, even though I agreed with the message.
- 2
Family advice
My uncle gets preachy about healthy eating whenever someone orders dessert.
- 3
Public speech
The speech had a preachy tone that turned some listeners off.
- 4
Serious writing
I liked the article because it raised serious points without becoming preachy.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Softened advice
Not to be preachy, but you should really back up your files.
- Phrasenot to be preachy, but
used before giving advice that might sound too strong
- 6
Public campaign
The campaign meant well, but the video came across as preachy.
- Patterncome across as + adjective
seem that way to other people
See also
Similar
- moralizing
- didactic
- sermonizing
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- preachy tone
- preachy message
- come across as preachy
- preachy movie
Word family
Explore
- moralism
- self-righteousness
Forms and spellings
3 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- preachyadjective
Forms
- preachiercomparativeadjective
- preachiestsuperlativeadjective