angel
noun (countable)
UK/ˈeɪn.dʒəl/US/ˈeɪn.dʒəl/
A very good or kind person, often someone who brings happiness or relief to others.
Example Sentences
She is such an angel for always being there when I need her.
He thinks of his grandmother as his personal angel, guiding him through tough times.
The nurse was an angel, providing compassionate care to all her patients.
Their neighbor is an angel, always helping out with chores and offering support.
After the accident, a kind stranger acted like an angel by assisting until help arrived.
She received an angel in the form of a supportive friend during her recovery.
The volunteers at the shelter are true angels, dedicating their time to help others.
He thanked his mentor, calling her an angel for her invaluable advice and encouragement.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
A spiritual being or caring figure symbolizing goodness and protection.“Angel” generally refers to a benevolent spirit or celestial messenger in various religious, cultural, or mythological contexts. In many faiths, angels act as intermediaries between the divine and humanity, carrying out God’s will or offering guidance and protection. Artistic representations often show angels with wings, halos, and a serene demeanor, emphasizing their purity and heavenly origin.Beyond religious connotations, we use “angel” figuratively to describe someone who demonstrates exceptional kindness or selflessness: “She’s such an angel for helping me through tough times.” In casual speech, calling someone an “angel” can also be an affectionate way to thank them for a thoughtful deed, such as offering support, comfort, or assistance when needed. In literature and media, angels appear as symbols of hope, redemption, or divine intervention. From epic poetry to modern fantasy, they may represent moral absolutes, guiding characters toward virtue. In a metaphorical sense, someone’s “guardian angel” describes a protective influence or chance event that prevented disaster. In everyday life, though, the term “angel” may simply imply a warm, caring individual or an unexpected, supportive blessing.
Alternatives
If you want alternatives or closely related words for “angel,” consider “guardian spirit,” which highlights a protective role, or “celestial being,” emphasizing heavenly origins. Other religious or cultural traditions have similar entities, such as “devas” or “benevolent spirits,” although these may carry their own distinctive beliefs and mythologies. To characterize someone’s loving nature without invoking religion, you can say “kind soul” or “godsend,” indicating that their help arrived miraculously or at just the right time. If you’re describing an especially supportive friend or family member, “lifesaver” or “savior” might fit casual conversation, underscoring how they rescued you from difficulty. Meanwhile, “earthly angel” is sometimes used informally to stress that a person brings angelic compassion to the real world. Though less formal, these variations all converge on the concept of a gentle or caring force guiding, rescuing, or comforting others when needed.
Writing
When referring to “angel” in a formal or academic context, clarify whether you mean a literal spiritual entity from theology or a figurative concept of altruism and benevolence. For instance, if you’re analyzing art history, discuss how Renaissance paintings depicted angels with flowing robes and ethereal light to symbolize divine presence. In literary criticism, you might explore how an “angelic figure” embodies moral ideals or serves as a narrative device guiding the protagonist.In fiction, an angel might represent hope or intervene at moments of crisis. You might write, “The angel hovered at the edge of her vision, gently steering her away from danger.” Incorporating descriptive details—glowing radiance, soft-spoken advice, or a calming aura—helps your readers envision the angelic essence. Even in more contemporary or speculative genres, the notion of an “angel” can be transformed to fit sci-fi or urban fantasy settings, while retaining the core traits of virtue and support.If you’re drafting a personal essay, referencing an angelic presence can convey profound gratitude or relief. You might say, “When I felt utterly lost, my sister became my guardian angel, guiding me through every challenge.” This personal, candid approach highlights the emotional weight of the term, showing how “angel” can be both literal and figurative. Balancing clarity with creativity ensures that your use of “angel” resonates with your purpose—whether you’re outlining doctrinal beliefs, conjuring a mystical atmosphere, or expressing heartfelt appreciation for someone’s kindness.
Casual Conversation
In everyday speech, calling someone an “angel” or describing a gracious act as “angelic” simply means you see them as deeply kind or helpful. For example, you might say, “Thanks for picking up my groceries— you’re an absolute angel!” It’s a friendly, warm expression of gratitude and recognition. People also use the phrase “angel on my shoulder” to describe a gentle moral voice or conscience that suggests doing the right thing. You might joke about having an “angel on one shoulder and a devil on the other,” highlighting an inner debate between kindness and mischief. In casual settings, angels can be day-to-day references to compassion, hope, or moral guidance—far from strictly religious definitions.Don’t hesitate to mix a bit of humor when saying “Be an angel and pass me the remote,” which gently nudges someone to be obliging and sweet. Friends and family usually pick up on this playful, affectionate tone. By using “angel” casually, you tap into a familiar idea: that some folks (or moments) seem heaven-sent to brighten a day or ease a burden. It keeps interactions light and shows warmth and appreciation.
Etymology
The term “angel” derives from the Greek “angelos,” meaning “messenger” or “envoy.” Early Judeo-Christian traditions depicted angels as spiritual messengers carrying divine commands or protection for humankind. Over centuries, as these religions expanded globally, their iconography and theology shaped artistic representations of angels—winged figures dressed in white, radiating calmness and holiness. Medieval and Renaissance art frequently explored angelic imagery, cementing our modern-day association of angels with grace, halos, and celestial guidance. While deeply rooted in Abrahamic faiths (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam), the concept of supernatural or protective beings appears in many cultures worldwide, each with its own name and attributes. Modern language also borrowed “angel” in everyday speech to describe gentle, benevolent forces—be they literal winged messengers or simple acts of extraordinary kindness.
