Evangelical
/ˌiː.vænˈdʒel.ɪ.kəl/noun
Relating to the Gospel or to a Protestant movement emphasizing the authority of the Bible and personal conversion.
Did you know?Its deepest root is the Greek word for a reward given to a messenger, so the “gospel” began as a message worth paying for before it became sacred language.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
euangelion
“a good message, reward for good news, or the news itself”
Ancient Greek
Greek
euangelizesthai
“to bring or announce good news”
Late Latin
Latin
evangelium
“the gospel, the Christian good news”
Old English
English
godspel
“the Gospel, Christian scripture or message”
16th Century
English
evangelical
“pertaining to the Gospel or the teachings of the New Testament”
Modern English
English
evangelical
“relating to the Gospel or to Protestant evangelical Christianity”
Explore more surprising origins