Evangelical

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /iːvænˈd͡ʒɛlɪkəl/

Definitions

  1. Pertaining to a religious movement that underscores the importance of spreading the Christian message, emphasizing personal commitment and biblical authority
  2. Characterized by an enthusiastic promotion of beliefs rooted in the Christian gospel, often associated with specific Protestant sects focused on personal faith and conversion
  3. Relating to a branch of Christianity that prioritizes the importance of individual faith and the urgent need to share spiritual beliefs

Etymology: The adjective in question traces its origins to the Greek word "euangelion," meaning "good news" or "gospel." This term was adopted into Late Latin as "evangelium," signifying the Christian gospel—the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. The transition into English came through Old French "evangelique" and Latin "evangelicus," initially describing things related to the gospel. By the early 16th century, the word had entered English usage, primarily in religious contexts to denote doctrines or practices connected to the Christian gospel. Its application expanded during the Protestant Reformation, when it was used to distinguish those who upheld the biblical gospel from the Catholic Church, which Reformers saw as having departed from original Christian teachings. Over time, the term took on a more specific identity within Protestantism, referring to a movement emphasizing personal conversion, the authority of the Bible, and the preaching of the gospel. This narrower meaning crystallized especially in the 18th and 19th centuries alongside revival movements that sought to spread evangelical beliefs through missionary work and social reform. The pronunciation reflects its Greek and Latin heritage, combining the prefix from "eu-" meaning "good" with "angelos," meaning "messenger," which together convey the idea of a bearer of good news. This etymological blend underscores the term's deep roots in Christian theology and its enduring role in describing a wide range of religious expressions centered on the gospel message.

Synonyms: zealous, proselytizing, missionary, pietistic, religious

Antonyms: secular, nonreligious, agnostic, atheistic, indifferent