adjective
evangelical
ee-van-JEH-lih-kuhl
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."
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."
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."
noun
1
A member or supporter of evangelical Christianity.
"Many evangelicals vote as a unified bloc in US elections."
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
Word Forms
more evangelical comparative, evangelicals plural, most evangelical superlative
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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."