Angel
/ˈeɪn.dʒəl/noun
A spiritual being believed to act as a messenger of God.
Did you know?The word 'angel' originates from the Greek 'angelos', meaning 'messenger', but in ancient texts, these beings were often depicted as fearsome entities, not just gentle guides!
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₂éǵros
“to bring news or announce.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἄγγελος (ángelos)
“messenger, one who announces.”
Late Latin
Latin
angelus
“messenger; a celestial being.”
Old French
Old French
ange
“heavenly messenger.”
Middle English
Middle English
angel
“a spiritual being serving as a divine messenger.”
Modern English
English
angel
“a celestial being, typically regarded as a benevolent messenger of God.”