Meanings
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1
adj
relating to a Protestant Christian movement that emphasizes personal conversion, biblical authority, and preaching the gospel
The school was founded by an evangelical charitable society.
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2
adj
zealously advocating or promoting a cause
She became evangelical about the benefits of public libraries.
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3
noun
a member or advocate of evangelical Christianity
The conference brought together evangelicals from several denominations.
Thesaurus
Etymology
From evangelic + -al, through French evangelique and Latin evangelicus from Greek euangelion, 'good news' or 'gospel.' Greek eu- means 'good' and angelos 'messenger.' The Christian adjective is old; the broader sense 'zealously promoting a cause' transfers the missionary enthusiasm associated with preaching.