French Conversation · Level 89
60 words
French word
sermon
Pronunciation
IPA/sɛʁmɔ̃/
Meaning
- masculine nounlecture
Example
Il m'a fait un long sermon après mon retard.
He gave me a long lecture after I was late.
More examples
Le politicien a prononcé un sermon sur l'honnêteté.
The politician delivered a sermon on honesty.
Core concept
A sustained address that teaches a lesson, especially when a speaker rebukes someone at length.
Common phrases
faire un sermon à quelqu'un
give someone a sermon
un sermon sévère
a stern sermon
Similar words
réprimande: A short, direct expression of blame for a mistake or bad action.
remontrance: A polite expression of dissatisfaction or blame intended as a warning.
leçon: Advice or instruction meant to correct someone's behavior or attitude.
prêche: A religious or moral talk that teaches and guides its audience.
Definition in French
Reproche soutenu et souvent long adressé à une personne pour corriger son comportement ou lui donner une leçon.
Word origin
French sermon comes from Latin sermo, meaning speech or discourse, and developed from religious preaching to the extended secular rebuke.
Usage tips
- The masculine noun takes un, as in un sermon, and the common pattern is faire un sermon à quelqu'un.
Other meanings
- sermonnoun
Opposites
- louangepraisenoun
Related words
- sermonnerlectureverb