Angelus

Pronunciation: /ˈeɪndʒələs/

Definitions of Angelus

noun a devotional exercise of the Roman Catholic Church, traditionally recited at 6 a.m., noon, and 6 p.m., commemorating the Incarnation of Jesus Christ

Example Sentences

A1 The Angelus is a Catholic devotion that commemorates the Incarnation.

A2 Many people recite the Angelus prayer at noon and in the evening.

B1 The sound of the Angelus bell ringing can be heard throughout the village.

B2 The Angelus painting by Jean-François Millet is a famous representation of the prayer.

C1 The Angelus Domini is a traditional Latin hymn sung during certain liturgical celebrations.

C2 Scholars have debated the origins and variations of the Angelus prayer over the centuries.

Examples of Angelus in a Sentence

formal The church bells rang the Angelus at noon.

informal I always pause for a moment when I hear the Angelus chime.

slang Let's meet up after the Angelus for a drink.

figurative The peaceful sound of the Angelus filled the air, calming everyone around.

Grammatical Forms of Angelus

• past tense: Angelus-ed
• plural: Angeluses
• comparative: more Angelus
• superlative: most Angelus
• present tense: Angelus
• future tense: will Angelus
• perfect tense: have Angelus-ed
• continuous tense: is Angelus-ing
• singular: Angelus
• positive degree: Angelus
• infinitive: to Angelus
• gerund: Angelus-ing
• participle: Angelus-ed

Origin and Evolution of Angelus

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'Angelus' comes from Latin, specifically from the phrase 'Angelus Domini nuntiavit Mariae' which means 'The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary'.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in the context of the Catholic Church to refer to a prayer commemorating the Annunciation, the word 'Angelus' has evolved to also refer to angels in general or a person who is like an angel in behavior or appearance.