Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to a specific tradition within Protestant Christianity: Characterized by an emphasis on personal conversion, the authority of the Bible (particularly the Gospels), and sharing the Christian message.
   • Zealously enthusiastic: Marked by ardent, crusading, or fervent support for any cause or belief.

Usage and Examples

• Relating to Christianity:
  • She attends an evangelical church that focuses on scripture and missionary work.
  • The evangelical movement places great importance on a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Describing fervent advocacy:
  • He was evangelical in his promotion of renewable energy, speaking about it with great passion.
  • The company's CEO has an evangelical zeal for customer service excellence.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "evangelical" vs. "evangelistic": While often used interchangeably, "evangelical" typically describes a Christian tradition or identity. "Evangelistic" more specifically describes the active practice of sharing a faith or cause.
  • He is an evangelical Christian. (Describes his religious affiliation.)
  • She gave an evangelistic sermon. (Describes the sermon's purpose to convert or persuade.)
• Cultural/Political Context: In some modern contexts, especially in the United States, "evangelical" can describe a socio-political bloc associated with conservative Christian values.
  • The candidate sought the evangelical vote.

Variants and Related Words

• Evangelicalism (noun): The Christian tradition or movement characterized by evangelical principles.
  • Evangelicalism grew significantly in the 18th century.
• Evangelicalist (noun): A proponent or follower of evangelicalism.
• Evangelically (adverb): In an evangelical manner.
  • He spoke evangelically about the need for reform.

Synonyms

• Zealous: Having or showing zeal; fervent.
• Fervent: Having or displaying a passionate intensity.
• Crusading: Campaigning vigorously for a cause.
• Low-church (specific to Christianity): Emphasizing evangelical principles over ritual and hierarchy.

Antonyms

• Apathetic: Showing or feeling no interest, enthusiasm, or concern.
• Secular: Not connected with religious or spiritual matters.
• High-church (specific to Christianity): Emphasizing ritual, tradition, and sacramental authority.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Evangelical fervor/zeal: Intense and passionate enthusiasm, often for promoting a belief.
  • She tackled the new project with evangelical fervor.
• To be evangelical about something: To be a very passionate and vocal advocate for something.
  • He's evangelical about the benefits of a plant-based diet.

Adjective

1. marked by ardent or zealous enthusiasm for a cause
2. of or pertaining to or in keeping with the Christian gospel especially as in the first 4 books of the New Testament
3. relating to or being a Christian church believing in personal conversion and the inerrancy of the Bible especially the 4 Gospels
   • evangelical Christianity
   • an ultraconservative evangelical message