angelico: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Low frequency, literary/artistic technical term)Literary, formal, artistic, or botanical.
Quick answer
What does “angelico” mean?
Angelic.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Angelic; resembling, or pertaining to an angel or angels. Of exquisite beauty or goodness.
Referring to something of heavenly purity, sweetness, or beauty. Used to describe art (especially Renaissance painting with a gold background), music, or a person's character. In a botanical context, a synonym for the herb 'angelica'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Slightly higher frequency in UK contexts due to greater historical engagement with Italian art terminology. The spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Equally literary and specialized in both dialects.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general usage in both regions, confined to specific artistic, literary, or botanical discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “angelico” in a Sentence
[Subject] has an angelico qualitypainted in the angelico styleher angelico voiceVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “angelico” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The chapel's frescoes had an angelico radiance that moved all visitors.
- She possessed an angelico patience that was legendary in the community.
American English
- The critic described the soprano's high notes as possessing an angelico clarity.
- He cultivated angelico herbs like angelica in his garden.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in Art History (e.g., 'the angelico tradition of Sienese painting') and occasionally in Literature or Religious Studies.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would sound highly literary or affected.
Technical
In botany, as a synonym for *Angelica archangelica*.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “angelico”
- Using 'angelico' as a common synonym for 'angelic'.
- Incorrect pronunciation: /ˈeɪn.dʒə.lɪ.kəʊ/ (It's a soft 'g' as in 'gel').
- Treating it as a noun for a person (e.g., 'She is an angelico' - incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Essentially yes in meaning, but no in usage. 'Angelic' is the common, versatile English word. 'Angelico' is a low-frequency, literary/technical borrowing used for stylistic effect or in specific contexts like art history.
You can, but it will sound highly literary, formal, or possibly pretentious. In everyday speech or writing, 'angelic', 'saintly', or 'exceptionally kind' are more natural choices.
Fra Angelico (Guido di Pietro) was an Italian Early Renaissance painter. The adjective 'angelico' is strongly associated with his style and the tradition of devotional art he represents. The name itself means 'Angelic Brother'.
The stress is on the second syllable. The 'g' is soft, like in 'gel' or 'gentle'. British: /an-JELL-i-koh/. American: /an-JELL-i-koh/ (with a clearer secondary stress on the last syllable).
Angelic.
Angelico is usually literary, formal, artistic, or botanical. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly. Possibly 'an angelico temper' as a fixed phrase.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the Italian painter FRA ANGELICO, known for his devout and beautiful frescoes. ANGELICO sounds like 'angel' with an Italian '-ico' ending.
Conceptual Metaphor
GOODNESS/MORAL BEAUTY IS UP, HEAVENLY, LIGHT. (An angelico face is illuminated from above.)
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'angelico' MOST appropriately used?