ENGLISH
REFERENCE

angel

n. countable
C1 Advanced Oxford US //ˈeɪndʒəɫ// UK //ˈeɪndʒəl// an·gel Archaic Informal Slang

n. a spiritual being in some religions who acts as a messenger for God. In everyday life, you might call someone an angel if they are exceptionally kind or helpful to you.

n. a spiritual messenger or attendant of a deity in various religious traditions, typically depicted in human form with wings. In secular contexts, it functions as a metaphor for a person of exemplary virtue or a private investor who provides capital for a business start-up.


SIMPLE

She was an absolute angel for helping me move house.

CONTEXTUAL

The charity relies on a few anonymous angels who provide the necessary funding to keep the shelter open every winter.

COMPLEX

While the cathedral's architecture is famous for its towering spires, the intricate stone carvings of angels above the portal represent the pinnacle of medieval craftsmanship in the region.

Synonyms
Usage

Often used as a term of endearment or a metaphor for kindness. In business, the term 'angel investor' is a common compound noun.

Idioms1 entry

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