adjective
Uncommon
evangelical
ee-van-JEH-lih-kuhl
Evangelical (adjective) means relating to the teachings and message of the Christian gospel. Example: “The charity is run by an evangelical mission group.”
adjective
1
Relating to the teachings and message of the Christian gospel.
"The charity is run by an evangelical mission group."
"She grew up in an evangelical household that read the Bible daily."
"The village hall hosts an evangelical service every Sunday evening."
2
Describing a branch of Protestant Christianity that emphasizes personal conversion, the Bible's authority, and active preaching of the faith.
"Evangelical churches have grown quickly across parts of the United States."
"He describes himself as evangelical rather than Catholic."
"Their church belongs to the evangelical tradition within Protestantism."
3
Showing great enthusiasm or zeal for a cause, almost like religious fervor.
"She talked about the diet with evangelical intensity."
"His evangelical devotion to the startup impressed investors."
"He is quite evangelical about cycling to work, and tells everyone he meets."
noun
1
A member or supporter of evangelical Christianity.
"Many evangelicals vote as a unified bloc in US elections."
"The evangelicals in our town meet on Wednesday evenings for Bible study."
"She is an evangelical who volunteers at her local church."
How to use evangelical
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRelating to gospel-centered Protestant Christianity that stresses personal faith and spreading the message — or, more loosely, being fervently enthusiastic about something.
Common mistake
Evangelical is not the same as "evangelist" (a person who actively preaches) or Catholic — evangelical usually refers to Protestant traditions.
Common pairings
evangelical Christians
evangelical church
evangelical fervor
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Word forms
- Plural
- evangelicals
- Comparative
- more evangelical
- Superlative
- most evangelical
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The charity is run by an _____ mission group.
Etymology
From Late Latin evangelium ("gospel, good news"), itself from Greek euangelion — the same root that gives us "evangelist."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for evangelical
See all rhymes for evangelical →Frequently asked questions
What does “evangelical” mean?
The word “evangelical” means relating to the teachings and message of the Christian gospel. In plain terms, relating to gospel-centered Protestant Christianity that stresses personal faith and spreading the message — or, more loosely, being fervently enthusiastic about something.
How do you pronounce “evangelical”?
“Evangelical” is pronounced ee-van-JEH-lih-kuhl (/iːvænˈd͡ʒɛlɪkəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “evangelical” in a sentence?
Here is “evangelical” used in a sentence: “The charity is run by an evangelical mission group.”
What is another word for “evangelical”?
Words with a similar meaning to “evangelical” include evangelic.
What is the opposite of “evangelical”?
The opposite of “evangelical” — its antonyms — are antievangelical and nonevangelical.
What part of speech is “evangelical”?
Depending on how it is used, “evangelical” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “evangelical” come from?
The word “evangelical” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin evangelium ("gospel, good news"), itself from Greek euangelion — the same root that gives us "evangelist.".
Is “evangelical” a common word?
“Evangelical” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between evangelical and evangelistic?
"Evangelical" usually describes a branch of Protestant Christianity emphasizing personal conversion, biblical authority, and active preaching, or more broadly relates to the Christian gospel, while "evangelistic" specifically describes activities aimed at spreading or preaching that message, such as an evangelistic crusade. "Evangelical" functions more as a general descriptor or identity, "evangelistic" for outreach activity.
What is the difference between evangelical and evangelic?
"Evangelical" and "evangelic" are close variants with essentially the same meaning relating to the Christian gospel or evangelical Christianity, but "evangelical" is far more common in modern English, while "evangelic" is a rarer, older-sounding form.
Can evangelical be used outside a religious context?
Yes, evangelical is often used figuratively to describe great enthusiasm or zeal for a cause, almost like religious fervor, as in "evangelical about healthy eating," extending the word's core sense of passionate conviction.
What distinguishes evangelical Christianity from other Protestant branches?
Evangelical Christianity is typically characterized by an emphasis on personal conversion experiences, the authority of the Bible, and active preaching or sharing of the faith, distinguishing it from more liturgical or institutionally focused Protestant traditions.
