sermon
/sɛʁ.mɔ̃/masculine
The English word "sermon" can be translated into French as sermon. If unsure, use sermon. Wiktionary also lists prêche.
Meaning: religious discourse (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| sermon | /sɛʁ.mɔ̃/ | masculine |
| prêche | /pʁɛʃ/ | masculine |
In a religious context, a sermon is a religious discourse. You might use the phrase Écouter un sermon to say "to listen to a sermon", or Prêcher la bonne parole to say "to preach the good word".
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /sɛʁ.mɔ̃/ and has 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- The term sermon can sometimes carry a derogatory connotation in modern French, implying a lecture that is tedious or patronizing.
- The French verb prêcher can be used in the idiom prêcher dans le désert, which describes someone speaking to an audience that is completely indifferent or unresponsive.
- Sermon comes from the Latin sermōnem, which originally referred to a general conversation or a talk rather than a formal religious speech.
Examples in context
- Le sermon était terriblement long.The sermon was awfully long.This sentence uses sermon to describe the length of a religious discourse.Tatoeba #12326445 by lbdx, translation #5825325 by Hybrid
- Il ment comme un sermon d'enterrement.He lies like a funeral sermon.This sentence uses sermon in a metaphorical sense regarding a funeral sermon.Tatoeba #1982729 by nimfeo, translation #6704141 by shekitten
- Notre prédicateur donne le même sermon à chaque Noël.Our preacher preaches the same sermon every Christmas.This sentence uses sermon to refer to a preacher's repetitive message at Christmas.Tatoeba #12962123 by Rovo, translation #7653909 by CK
- Le pasteur a donné une excellente prédication lors du service de dimanche.The pastor delivered an excellent sermon during the Sunday service.
- J'adore écouter les homélies du prêtre à la messe du matin.I love listening to the priest's sermons during the morning Mass.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Léa are walking out of a church.
- HugoAs-tu aimé le sermon aujourd'hui ?Did you like the sermon today?
- LéaOui, il était vraiment inspirant.Yes, it was truly inspiring.
- HugoJe suis d'accord avec toi, Léa.I agree with you, Léa.
- LéaC'est vrai, cela m'a fait réfléchir.It's true, it made me think.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sermon” translations and entries sermon, prêche, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sermon, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
