angel
gb/ˈeɪnd͡ʒəl/ us/ˈeɪnd͡ʒəl/
A2
English
~ 3100
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
entity
1
Heavenly messenger or servant of God
A spirit in some religions, often shown with wings, who works for God and helps people.
Usage pattern:
[someone] sees/describes [someone] as an angel
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'angel' with 'angle' due to similar spelling and pronunciation.
Synonyms
spirit (More general term for a supernatural being; not necessarily religious or benevolent.)
Antonyms
demon (A supernatural being considered evil, opposite to a good angel in religious belief.)
Collocations
guardian angel
|fallen angel
|angel of death
|archangel
Themes
religion
|mythology
Examples
- The Bible describes angels as messengers between God and humans.
- She believes her guardian angel protected her during the accident.
- In the painting, an angel hovers above the shepherds.
Learner examples
- Angels are important in many religions.
- The story says an angel came to help him.
- She thinks her angel keeps her safe.
Noun
informal
B1
entity
2
Very kind or helpful person
A very good and kind person who helps you.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is an angel for [doing something]
Common mistake:
Learners may take the expression literally instead of as a compliment about kindness.
Synonyms
darling (An affectionate term for someone liked or loved; less focused on kindness in action.)
Antonyms
villain (A person who is intentionally harmful or cruel; opposite in moral character.)
Collocations
such an angel
|be an angel and [do something]
Themes
emotions
|daily life
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Thanks for bringing me soup—you’re an absolute angel!
- She’s been an angel, looking after my kids while I was sick.
- Could you be an angel and close the window?
Learner examples
- You are an angel for helping me.
- He is an angel to his friends.
- She was an angel when I was sad.
Noun
B2
entity
3
Wealthy supporter of a project or business
A rich person who gives money to help a new business or project start.
Synonyms
backer (Someone who supports financially; can be less wealthy or informal than 'angel' in this sense.)
Antonyms
debtor (Someone who owes money; opposite role in financial support context.)
Collocations
angel investor
|angel funding
|angel network
Themes
business
|finance
Examples
- The startup secured funding from several angel investors.
- Without an angel to back the play, it might never have opened.
- He became an angel for three promising tech companies.
Learner examples
- The company found an angel to give them money.
- She is an angel for many small shops.
- They need an angel to start the project.
Grammar
Dictionary form
angel
IPA
GB/ˈeɪnd͡ʒəl/
US/ˈeɪnd͡ʒəl/
Syllables & stress
an - gel (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (an)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: angel
- Plural: angels
Word family
Forms
angels
noun
Core family
angelic
adjective
Related words
angelically
adverb
Negative and opposite forms
devil
noun B1
Advanced or less common
archangel
noun
Expressions
be an angel
1/bˈi ən ˈeɪnd͡ʒəl/
idiom
informal
Do something kind when asked politely
Used to nicely ask someone to do something for you.
Examples
- Be an angel and pass me that book, would you?
- Could you be an angel and make some tea?
angel investor
1/ˈeɪnd͡ʒəl ɪnvˈɛstɚ/
fixed phrase
Wealthy individual funding startups early on
A rich person who gives money to new businesses to help them grow.
Examples
- The startup was able to launch thanks to an angel investor.
- They found an angel investor willing to fund their app idea.
- Angel investors often provide both money and advice to entrepreneurs.
- Angel investors can help startups before they get big loans.
guardian angel
1/ɡˈɑɹdiən ˈeɪnd͡ʒəl/
fixed phrase
Special caring protector
Someone who helps and protects you in a kind way, like an angel.
Examples
- She says her guardian angel kept her safe during the storm.
- She was like a guardian angel when I moved to the city alone.
- I must have had a guardian angel looking out for me when I avoided that crash.
- I’ll never forget my guardian angel who saved me from the accident.