preaches

Preaches is the third-person singular present tense of the verb preach. The term primarily refers to delivering a sermon or religious instruction to a congregation. It also means publicly advocating, urging, or exhorting others to accept a belief, value, or course of action, often in moral or ethical terms.

In religious contexts, a preacher or pastor preaches during services, homilies, or missions. Beyond churches, individuals or organizations may preach about social issues, personal conduct, or political causes, using rhetoric intended to persuade an audience. The act may be formal, scripturally anchored, or more improvised, depending on the tradition and setting.

Connotations of the word can vary. When used about someone's style, "preaches" or "preachy" describes overtly moralizing or sermonizing language that may come off as judgmental or self-righteous. The phrase "preaching to the choir" describes urging agreement among an audience already inclined to share the view. The gerund "preaching" refers to the act itself, while phrases such as "preach about forgiveness" or "preach against corruption" show typical constructions.

Related terms include preacher (the person who preaches), sermon (the delivery itself, or its content), and preaching (the activity or tradition). Synonyms or near-synonyms include sermonize and exhort, though these vary in nuance and formality. In sum, preaches denotes both the delivery of religious or moral instruction and the broader act of advocating a viewpoint in a manner intended to persuade.