evangel means the Christian gospel.
evangel is pronounced /ɪˈvænd͡ʒəl/.
Why “evangel” is a great word
The good news, especially the Christian gospel, or any joyous, transformative principle or doctrine. From Middle English evaungel, via Old French evangile and Late Latin evangelium, ultimately from Ancient Greek εὐαγγέλιον (euangélion, "good news"), the compound of εὐ- (eu-, "well") and ἀγγέλλειν (angéllein, "to announce"). Unlike "gospel" (which specifically denotes the Christian message of salvation) or "doctrine" (a formal belief system taught by an institution), evangel carries the bright weight of proclamation itself—the urgent, uncontainable sharing of transformative joy. It is the sealed letter pressed into trembling hands, the first warm wind that whispers of a thaw after a long winter, the sudden warmth that floods the chest when hope, long abandoned, is named aloud—the human need not just to believe, but to announce.
Etymology
From Middle English evaungel, evangile, from Old French evangile, from Late Latin evangelium, from Ancient Greek εὐαγγέλιον (euangélion, “good news”), from εὐάγγελος (euángelos, “bringing good news”), from εὐ- (eu-, “well”) + ἀγγέλλειν (angéllein, “to announce”) (English angel). The word gospel is from the same Ancient Greek origin, also meaning “good news”, but translated into Latin, then calqued into Old English.
noun
- The Christian gospel.
- A salutary principle relating to morals, politics, etc.
- An evangelist.
Definitions & examples from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 3.0).
Words closest in meaning
By meaning, not spelling — each word's AI semantic fingerprint, nearest first.
- evangely 86% match — The "good news" revealed by the Gospel; redemption. vs evangel →
- evangile 83% match — good tidings, or evangel. vs evangel →
- evangelize 76% match — To tell people about (a particular branch of) Christianity, especially in order to convert them; to preach the gospel to. vs evangel →
- evangelistic 70% match — Pertaining to evangelism or evangelists; spreading the gospel. vs evangel →
- evangelicism 68% match — evangelical principles; evangelism vs evangel →
- evangelical 68% match — Pertaining to the doctrines or teachings of the Christian gospel or Christianity in general. vs evangel →
- gospel 68% match — The first section of the Christian New Testament scripture, comprising the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, concerned with the birth, ministry, passion, and resurrection of Jesus. vs evangel →
- evangelican 66% match — Synonym of evangelical. vs evangel →