sermonize
UK[ˈsɜːmənaɪz]US[ˈsɜːrmənaɪz]
v
to speak in a serious way, especially to give someone moral advice, in a manner that is often seen as boring or annoying.
v
to deliver or compose a sermon.
Morpheme Breakdown
sermon
ize
sermon
discourse, speech
ize
Etymology
the word 'sermonize' is built upon the noun 'sermon', which entered english from old french, tracing back to the latin 'sermo' meaning 'talk, discourse, or conversation'. the latin term itself is derived from the verb 'serere', meaning 'to join or link together', metaphorically extended to the linking of words in speech. the addition of the productive verb-forming suffix '-ize', of ancient greek origin, transforms the noun into a verb meaning 'to deliver a sermon' or, by extension, 'to lecture or moralize in a sermon-like fashion'. this etymological path illustrates how a concept of structured discourse evolved into a term for a specific religious or moral address and then into an action often perceived as didactic or tedious.
Analysis
Structure: sermon + ize
sermon (from latin 'sermo', meaning 'discourse, speech') + ize (verb-forming suffix from greek '-izein', via latin '-izare', indicating 'to make, to do, or to practice').
Examples
he has a tendency to sermonize about the virtues of hard work to his younger colleagues.
the minister will sermonize on the topic of forgiveness this sunday.
i didn't ask for advice; please don't sermonize at me.