gospel
B2Formal and neutral in religious contexts; informal in extended uses (e.g., 'take something as gospel').
Definition
Meaning
The teachings of Jesus Christ and the story of his life, death, and resurrection, as recorded in the first four books of the New Testament.
Any set of principles or teachings regarded as absolutely true and authoritative; a particular type of popular music that originated in Black American churches, characterised by strong vocals and emotive, spiritual themes.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a common noun, 'gospel' signifies any doctrine or truth promoted with fervour. The musical genre sense is always uncountable.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The musical genre 'gospel' is slightly more prominent in US cultural reference.
Connotations
In both varieties, 'gospel truth' implies absolute certainty. In the US, the term is more tightly linked to specific cultural and musical traditions.
Frequency
Comparably frequent, with higher relative frequency in the US due to cultural prominence of gospel music and evangelical Christianity.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
preach/spread the gospel [of/on something]take something as gospelthe gospel according to [source/person]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “take something as gospel”
- “the gospel truth”
- “preach the gospel”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used metaphorically: 'He preached the gospel of agile development.'
Academic
Used in religious studies, theology, and musicology contexts.
Everyday
Extended meaning: 'Don't take everything he says as gospel.'
Technical
Specific to biblical scholarship or music genres.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He spent his life gospelling in the city streets.
American English
- She gospelled about the benefits of organic farming.
adjective
British English
- They attended a gospel choir rehearsal.
American English
- He's a well-known gospel singer.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She loves listening to gospel music.
- My grandmother reads from the Gospel every Sunday.
- You shouldn't accept his opinion as gospel without checking the facts.
- The politician's speech was a thinly veiled gospel of economic nationalism.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'GOod SPELL' — the good spell (or news) of Jesus Christ.
Conceptual Metaphor
TRUTH IS AN UNCHANGEABLE/INSPIRED TEXT; AN IDEA IS A RELIGIOUS TEACHING.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'госпел' (loanword for the music genre only). The religious meaning is 'евангелие'. Avoid using 'госпел' for the religious text.
- The phrase 'gospel truth' translates as 'святая истина' or 'чистая правда', not a direct calque.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'gospel' as a countable noun for multiple religious truths (e.g., 'different gospels'). It's usually 'different interpretations of the gospel'.
- Capitalising incorrectly: 'Gospel' when referring specifically to Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John, but 'gospel' for the general concept or music.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following uses 'gospel' in its extended, non-religious meaning?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
From Old English 'gōdspell', meaning 'good news', a calque of Latin 'evangelium' and Greek 'euangelion'.
Yes, but it's rare and somewhat archaic or stylistic, meaning 'to preach the gospel' or 'to evangelise'.
Capitalise when referring to one of the four books of the New Testament (e.g., the Gospel of John). Use lowercase for the general message ('the Christian gospel'), the music genre, and metaphorical uses.
'Gospel' is the message or teaching. 'Evangelical' relates to a tradition or movement that emphasises this gospel, personal conversion, and biblical authority.