1 C1 idiomatic formal
To promote or advocate for something by using moral, religious, or persuasive argument repeatedly.
"The minister spent decades preaching up temperance, urging his congregation to abandon drink."
inseparable
preach up
C1 formal inseparable transitive
To promote, praise, or advocate for something through preaching or persistent persuasive speech.
In plain English
To tell people again and again, in a preachy way, that something is very good and they should support it.
What does "preach up" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
Using the raised platform of a pulpit ('up') to uplift and promote something — the 'up' mirrors elevation and promotion.
Actually means
To tell people again and again, in a preachy way, that something is very good and they should support it.
Usage tip
Somewhat archaic and literary. The opposite of 'preach down'. Used when someone uses the authority of the pulpit or moral rhetoric to advocate for a cause, virtue, or idea. Occasionally used ironically today to describe over-enthusiastic promotion.
Words that pair with "preach up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
virtue cause reform temperance values gospel
How to conjugate "preach up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
preach up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
preaches up
he/she/it
Past simple
preached up
yesterday
Past participle
preached up
have + pp
-ing form
preaching up
continuous
Hear "preach up" in the wild
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Other ways to say "preach up"
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