angel

angel

---

Pronunciation

IPA Phonetic Spelling:

• /ˈeɪnʤəl/ (General American, Received Pronunciation)

• an - /ˈeɪn/ (as in "pain" or "rain")

• gel - /ʤəl/ (as in "jelly" or "gem")

---

 Word Form Variations

Noun:

• Singular: angel

• Plural: angels

Adjective: (attributive use, or in informal/figurative contexts)

• angel (e.g., "an angel investor," "you're an angel!")

---

---

Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms

Noun

1. In many religions, a spiritual being acting as a messenger, attendant, or agent of God, typically depicted in human form with wings and a halo.

• Synonyms: cherub, seraph, archangel, divine messenger, celestial being

• Antonyms: demon, devil, fiend, devil, imp, succubus

2. A person considered to be kind, innocent, virtuous, or beautiful, often used as a term of endearment or praise.

• Synonyms: saint, darling, dear, gem, sweetheart, paragon, innocent

• Antonyms: devil, monster, fiend, villain, brute

3. A financial backer or investor, especially one who provides capital for a startup company. (Informal, often "angel investor")

• Synonyms: investor, patron, backer, financier, sponsor, benefactor

• Antonyms: debtor, borrower, recipient

4. (Theater/Film) A financial supporter of a theatrical production or film, often without expecting a large return.

• Synonyms: backer, patron, financier, sponsor

• Antonyms: (None directly applicable as it's a specific role)

Adjective (Attributive use, or in informal/figurative contexts)

1. Resembling or characteristic of an angel; extremely kind, beautiful, or innocent.

• Example: "She has an angelic voice." (derived adjective) or "You're an absolute angel for helping!"

• Synonyms: angelic, saintly, benevolent, pure, innocent, heavenly

• Antonyms: devilish, wicked, evil, monstrous, fiendish

---

 Examples of Use

• Books:

• "Every human being is an angel disguised as a human." (Paulo Coelho, Like the Flowing River, 2006)

• Newspapers:

• "The tech startup secured an additional $500,000 from an angel investor, boosting its expansion plans." (The Wall Street Journal)

• Online Publications:

• "Scientists are discovering more about the angel shark, a critically endangered species making a comeback in some conservation zones." (National Geographic Online)

• Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:

• "I know I'm not an angel, but I'm trying to be better." (Dialogue from a popular TV drama, Grey's Anatomy, televised 2005-present)

• "Christmas carols often feature choirs of angels singing 'Hark! The Herald Angels Sing'." (Traditional Christmas song, often heard in films and holiday specials)

• "You're an angel for helping me move all these boxes!" (Person speaking to a friend in a vlog, "Moving Day Adventures," )

• General Public Discourse:

• "My grandmother was an absolute angel; she always looked out for everyone."

• "He drew an angel with big, feathered wings."

• "Some people believe everyone has a guardian angel watching over them."

• "The baby looked like a sleeping angel."

---

---

10 Quotes Using Angel

1. "Every human being is an angel disguised as a human." (Paulo Coelho, Like the Flowing River, 2006)

2. "Fools rush in where angels fear to tread." (Alexander Pope, An Essay on Criticism, 1711)

3. "I was a devil, but I'm not a saint. I'm an angel." (Marilyn Monroe)

4. "Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly." (G. K. Chesterton)

5. "Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings." (It's a Wonderful Life, film dialogue, 1946)

6. "I'm no angel." (Common self-deprecating phrase)

7. "Be careful who you trust. The devil was once an angel." (Common cautionary saying, widely attributed)

8. "My guardian angel is always with me." (Common expression of belief or comfort)

9. "Death is an angel dressed in black." (Unknown, common poetic phrase)

10. "Good night, my angel." (Common affectionate farewell)

---

 Etymology

The word "angel" has a very ancient and spiritual origin, rooted in the idea of a messenger.

It comes from the Old English word "engel." This "engel" already referred to a divine messenger or a spiritual being.

Tracing its roots further back, "engel" derives from the Latin word "angelus," which meant "messenger."

Before that, "angelus" itself was borrowed from the Ancient Greek word "angelos" (ἄγγελος), which also literally meant "messenger" or "one who announces." This Greek term was used to refer to both human messengers and, in religious contexts, divine or supernatural messengers.

So, the first known use of "angel" in English (in its Old English form "engel") appeared in texts as early as the 9th century. Its original meaning was consistent with its Greek and Latin roots: a divine or heavenly messenger, or a spiritual being serving God. Over centuries, its pronunciation and spelling evolved, and the meaning also broadened to include people with angelic qualities or even financial backers.

---

---

Phrases + Idioms Containing Angel

Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "angel":

• Angel investor (a wealthy individual who provides capital for a startup company)

• Angel dust (slang term for PCP, a powerful hallucinogenic drug)

• Angel face (a term of endearment for someone with a beautiful or innocent face)

• Guardian angel (a spirit believed to protect and guide a person)

• An angel on my shoulder (a figurative representation of one's good conscience)

• An angel of mercy (a person who brings comfort or aid to those suffering)

• Sleep like an angel (to sleep very soundly and peacefully)

• To be an absolute angel (to be extremely kind or helpful)

• Fallen angel (an angel who rebelled against God and was cast out of heaven; figuratively, someone who has lost innocence or status)

• Speak of the devil and he shall appear, or an angel will guide you (original, playing on "speak of the devil," adding a positive counterpart)

• Angels' share (the portion of an alcoholic drink that evaporates during aging)

• Angels in the outfield (a phrase implying divine intervention, from a film title)

• An angel's patience (extreme patience)

• Bless your cotton socks, you're an angel! (a British informal expression of gratitude)

• Not an angel in the bunch (using a synonym, meaning no innocent or good people in a group)

---

Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA

---

Source Information

Definition of angel from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.

---