angelus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, religious, literary
Quick answer
What does “angelus” mean?
A Catholic devotion commemorating the Incarnation, traditionally recited at morning, noon, and sunset.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A Catholic devotion commemorating the Incarnation, traditionally recited at morning, noon, and sunset.
The bell rung to signal the times for this prayer; by extension, any call to prayer or moment of reflection.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. More likely to be encountered in historically Catholic regions (e.g., Ireland, parts of the US like Boston or Louisiana) or in literary texts in both varieties.
Connotations
Connotes tradition, ritual, peace, and a specific religious (Roman Catholic) cultural practice.
Frequency
Low frequency in general discourse. Slightly higher frequency in areas with strong Catholic cultural heritage.
Grammar
How to Use “angelus” in a Sentence
The angelus rings (at a time).to hear the angelusto pray the angelusVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, religious studies, or cultural analysis contexts.
Everyday
Rare, except among practicing Catholics or in regions where it is a cultural tradition.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “angelus”
- Pronouncing it as /eɪnˈdʒiːləs/ (like 'angry' + 'lus').
- Using it as a plural for 'angel'.
- Capitalising it incorrectly (it is typically not capitalised unless starting a sentence).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is typically written in lower case unless it starts a sentence.
Yes, it commonly refers to the bell rung to announce the time for the prayer. It can also be used metaphorically in literature.
Traditionally three times: at 6 am, noon, and 6 pm, though modern practice can vary.
Very rarely. Its use is almost exclusively tied to the specific Catholic devotion or, by extension, to literary descriptions evoking that tradition.
A Catholic devotion commemorating the Incarnation, traditionally recited at morning, noon, and sunset.
Angelus is usually formal, religious, literary in register.
Angelus: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæn.dʒəl.əs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæn.dʒəl.əs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The angelus hour (a time for quiet reflection)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'ANGEL' + 'US' -> The angel's message is for us, announced by the bell.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SOUND IS A CALL TO SPIRITUAL REFLECTION.
Practice
Quiz
What is the 'angelus' primarily associated with?