ser ‧ mon /ˈsɜːmən $ ˈsɜːr-/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
[ Date: 1100-1200 ; Language: Old French ; Origin: Latin sermo 'speech, conversation' ]
1 . a talk given as part of a Christian church service, usually on a religious or moral subject
give/preach/deliver a sermon (on something)
The vicar gave a sermon on charity.
2 . informal a long talk in which someone tries to give you moral advice that you do not want – used to show disapproval SYN lecture
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THESAURUS
▪ speech a talk, especially a formal one about a particular subject, given to a group of people:
The bridegroom usually makes a speech after the wedding.
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In her speech, she proposed major changes to the welfare system.
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the opening speech of the conference
▪ address formal a speech that a very important person gives to a large group of people:
the President's address to the nation
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He was surrounded by security officers as he made his address.
▪ talk an occasion when someone speaks to a group of people giving them information about a particular subject or about their experiences:
I went to an interesting talk on the wildlife of Antarctica.
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He's been asked to give a talk about his trip to India.
▪ lecture a talk, especially on an ↑ academic subject and given to students in a university:
a lecture on 17th century French literature
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Professor Black is giving the lecture.
▪ presentation a talk in which you describe or explain a new product or idea, especially one you give for your company:
I had to give a presentation to the board of directors.
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He's making a presentation to the management of a well-known manufacturing company.
▪ sermon a talk given by a priest or a religious leader:
The vicar preached a sermon about the need for forgiveness.
▪ statement a spoken or written announcement that someone makes in public, often to ↑ journalist s :
The minister issued a short statement in which he said he had no plans to resign.