pregar

Senses

1. 1.

   to preach

   to deliver a sermon or religious message; to advocate for something

2. 2.

   to nail

   to fasten with nails; to hammer in

3. 3.

   to play (a trick)

   to play a prank or trick on someone (in the expression 'pregar uma peça')

Examples

• "O padre pregou sobre a importância da caridade."

  The priest preached about the importance of charity.

• "Ele pregou o quadro na parede da sala."

  He nailed the picture to the living room wall.

• "Os meninos pregaram uma peça no professor."

  The boys played a trick on the teacher.

Usage

This verb has two distinct etymologies: from Latin 'praedicare' (to preach) and 'pregicare' (to nail). Common collocations include 'pregar o evangelho' (preach the gospel), 'pregar um botão' (sew on a button), and 'pregar uma peça' (play a trick). Note that 'pregar um botão' uses 'pregar' in the sense of fastening/attaching, though with thread rather than nails.