angel
- 01 B1 Intermediate
n.a person who is very kind, helpful, or beautiful.
n.a person who manifests exceptional goodness, purity, or selfless kindness.
Simple“You are an absolute angel for helping me move house all weekend.”
In context“The nurses were described as angels by the patients for their tireless dedication during the long night shifts at the clinic.”
- 02 C1 Advanced
n.a person who gives their own money to help a new business or a theater show start.
n.a private investor who provides capital for a business start-up or a theatrical production, usually in exchange for convertible debt or ownership equity.
Simple“The startup survived its first year thanks to a generous angel investor.”
In context“Without the support of a wealthy angel, the experimental play would never have secured a venue in the West End.”
- 03 C2 Proficiency
n.a word used by pilots to talk about height, where one 'angel' means one thousand feet.
n.a radio code word used in aviation to indicate altitude in thousands of feet.
Simple“The pilot reported that he was flying at angels fifteen.”
In context“During the tactical exercise, the squadron leader commanded the jets to maintain angels twenty to avoid detection by ground-based radar.”
UsageAlways followed by a number; 'angels ten' means 10,000 feet.
- 04 C1 Advanced
v.to support a project or person by giving them money.
v.to act as a financial backer for a project, particularly in the arts or business.
Simple“He decided to angel the new restaurant because he loved the chef's food.”
In context“Several tech veterans offered to angel the project, providing not just capital but also strategic mentorship to the young founders.”
“These murderous people are not angels, you know.” By 2000, Berry-Dee had become an established crime writer, who taught art on the side.”
“There are angels in unlikely places, the novel proposes, if you look for them.”