Archangel
/ˈɑːrkˌeɪn.dʒəl/noun
A chief angel of high rank in various religious traditions.
Did you know?In ancient texts, archangels were believed to act as intermediaries between the divine and humanity, influencing fate and guiding souls.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*angʲel-
“to bend, curve; to be in a state of agitation or to feel anxious.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἀγγελος (angelos)
“messenger or one who announces.”
Latin
Latin
archangelus
“chief messenger or principal angel.”
Old French
Old French
archangel
“chief angel.”
Middle English
Middle English
archangel
“a high-ranking angel.”
Modern English
English
archangel
“a term for a principal angel in religious contexts.”