engel: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1 (Common word with specific religious/financial meanings)Neutral to formal; can be poetic or affectionate in personal contexts.
Quick answer
What does “engel” mean?
A spiritual being, often depicted with wings, serving as a messenger or attendant of God in various religions, especially Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A spiritual being, often depicted with wings, serving as a messenger or attendant of God in various religions, especially Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
A person who is exceptionally kind, pure, or beautiful; a financial backer who supports a project or venture, especially in business.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major lexical differences. Spelling is identical. Financial 'angel investor' term is used in both.
Connotations
Identical core connotations of goodness, purity, and protection.
Frequency
Both varieties use the word with similar high frequency.
Grammar
How to Use “engel” in a Sentence
[be] an angel[have] an angel[like] an angel[pray to] an angel[invest like] an angelVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “engel” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not standard; archaic/poetic 'to angel' meaning to provide financial backing exists but is rare.)
American English
- The venture was angeled by a Silicon Valley tycoon. (Rare, informal business use.)
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverb form; 'angelically' is possible but very rare.)
American English
- She sang angelically. (Literary/rare)
adjective
British English
- She had an angelic smile.
- The child's behaviour was far from angelic.
American English
- He has an angelic voice.
- She performed the angelic role perfectly.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to an 'angel investor' who provides capital for start-ups.
Academic
Used in religious studies, theology, art history, and literature.
Everyday
Common as a term of endearment ('You're an angel!') or to describe a very good/helpful person.
Technical
Not typically a technical term outside specific religious discourse.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “engel”
- Misspelling as 'angle'.
- Using 'angel' to describe a mischievous child is ironic, not literal.
- Overusing as a generic compliment.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
An archangel is a chief or high-ranking angel (e.g., Michael, Gabriel). All archangels are angels, but not all angels are archangels.
Yes. While often depicted as feminine in modern art, the term is gender-neutral. A man can be called 'an angel' for his kindness.
Mostly yes. 'Fallen angel' is a negative exception. The phrase 'no angel' is used to say someone is not perfectly good.
It originated in early 20th-century Broadway, where wealthy individuals provided money for theatrical productions, seen as 'angels' saving the show.
A spiritual being, often depicted with wings, serving as a messenger or attendant of God in various religions, especially Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
Engel is usually neutral to formal; can be poetic or affectionate in personal contexts. in register.
Engel: in British English it is pronounced /ˈeɪn.dʒəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈeɪn.dʒəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a guardian angel”
- “on the side of the angels”
- “fools rush in where angels fear to tread”
- “an angel passes (moment of silence)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the 'ANG' in 'ANGEL' as the 'ANGLE' from which heavenly light shines down.
Conceptual Metaphor
GOODNESS IS LIGHT / PURITY / HEIGHT; A KIND PERSON IS AN ANGEL; FINANCIAL SUPPORT IS SALVATION.
Practice
Quiz
In a modern business context, what is an 'angel' most likely to be?