angel
UK[ˈeɪndʒəl]US[ˈeɪndʒəl]
n
A spiritual being believed to act as a messenger or servant of God, often represented as having wings and dressed in white.
n
A person who is very good, kind, or beautiful.
Etymology
The word 'angel' has a direct lineage through religious texts, entering English via Latin and Greek. Its core meaning of 'messenger' reflects the primary role of these beings in Abrahamic traditions: to deliver divine announcements. Over time, the term's semantic field expanded from a purely spiritual messenger to encompass the qualities associated with such beings, leading to its modern figurative use for a person of exemplary goodness or beauty. This evolution illustrates how a specific theological concept can broaden into a general term of high praise in secular language.
Analysis
The word 'angel' is a simplex loanword. It originates from the Latin word 'angelus', which came from the Greek word 'angelos', meaning 'messenger'. The Greek term itself is likely a translation of the Hebrew 'mal'akh', also meaning 'messenger'.
Examples
The painting depicted an angel with magnificent white wings.
She has been an absolute angel, helping me through this difficult time.
According to the story, an angel appeared to the shepherds to announce the birth of Jesus.