evangelize
UK[ɪˈvændʒəlaɪz]US[ɪˈvændʒəlaɪz]
v
To try to persuade people to become Christians.
v
To talk about something with great enthusiasm in order to persuade other people to support it or believe in it.
Morpheme Breakdown
evangel
ize
evangel
good news
ize
verb-forming suffix
Etymology
The word 'evangelize' originates from the Greek 'euangelizesthai,' meaning "to bring good news," which itself is a compound of 'eu-' (good, well) and 'angelos' (messenger). This term was adopted into Late Latin as 'evangelizare,' specifically referring to preaching the Christian gospel. The core semantic logic—a messenger announcing good tidings—was preserved as the word entered English via Old French. The modern abstract sense, extending to enthusiastic advocacy for any cause, retains this foundational idea of proclaiming a beneficial message to convert or persuade others.
Analysis
Structure: evangel (good news) + ize (verb-forming suffix)
- evangel: From Greek 'eu-' (good) + 'angelos' (messenger), via Latin 'evangelium' (gospel). In this word, it functions as the core root meaning "the gospel" or "good news."
- ize: A verb-forming suffix of Greek origin (via Latin '-izare'), indicating "to make, to do, or to practice."
Examples
The missionaries traveled to remote areas to evangelize.
He is always trying to evangelize about the benefits of a plant-based diet.
The company's founders evangelized their vision for a more connected world.