Angel

/ˈeɪndʒəl/

nounBeginner🔥Very CommonGeneral
2 meanings2 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

A supernatural being, often depicted as having wings and a benevolent nature, serving as a messenger or protector.

/ˈeɪndʒəl/

nounpositiveBeginner
General

A spiritual being

The painting depicted a cherubic angel.

💡 Simply: A good spirit from heaven.

More Examples

2

She felt like an angel had watched over her.

How It's Used

Religious

"In many religions, angels are believed to be messengers of God."

Literary

"The author described the character as having an angelic face."

2

A person who is exceptionally kind, helpful, or beautiful.

/ˈeɪndʒəl/

nounpositiveBeginner
General

A person of exceptional goodness

He was an angel to his ailing mother.

💡 Simply: A very good person.

More Examples

2

She's a real angel, always volunteering her time.

How It's Used

Informal

"She's an angel; always helping others."

Tip:Think of someone kind as an 'earthly angel'.

From Old English *engel, from Late Latin *angelus, from Greek ἄγγελος (ángelos) "messenger, envoy".

The word 'angel' has maintained its core meaning of a heavenly messenger throughout history, but its figurative use to describe kind individuals has also been consistently present.

Memory tip

Think of 'angel' as a 'message bringer'.

Word Origin

LanguageGreek
Original meaning

"messenger"

Base: angel
guardian angelangel investorangel of mercy

Common misspellings

angellangilanggle

Usage

70%Spoken
30%Written