sermonize
UK: /ˈsɜː.mə.naɪz/ | US: /ˈsɝː.mə.naɪz/
vt. to deliver or compose a sermon; to preach or moralize in a formal or tedious manner
vi. to speak didactically or self-righteously
The word "sermonize" combines "sermon," derived from Latin sermo (meaning "discourse" or "speech"), with the suffix "-ize," which originates from Greek -izein and denotes "to make" or "to act like." Historically, "sermon" referred to religious teachings, and by adding "-ize," the verb form emerged in the 17th century to describe the act of preaching or moralizing, often with a connotation of excessive or pompous delivery.
The pastor would sermonize for hours, leaving the congregation weary.
She avoided friends who constantly sermonized about healthy living.
His tendency to sermonize made casual conversations feel like lectures.
The book’s aim was to entertain, not to sermonize.
Politicians often sermonize about unity but rarely practice it.