Angel or Angle?

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Angel or Angle?

What is the difference between "angel" and "angle"?
  • An "angel" is a guardian spirit that acts as an agent or messenger of God.
    • Peace is the first thing the angels sang. (Poet John Keble)
  • An "angle" is the space between two intersecting lines.
    • The word "angle" comes from the Latin word "angulus" (meaning "corner").
angel or angle?
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Angle and Angel

Spelling mistakes involving "angel" and "angle" seem to be quite common, particularly in tattoos.

Angel

The noun "angel" denotes a supernatural being or spirit found in various religions and mythologies. "Angels" are said to act as agents or messengers of God.

The word "angel" can also be used figuratively to describe a person of exemplary conduct or virtue.

Examples:
  • I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free. (Italian sculptor Michelangelo)

  • It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels. (Saint Augustine)

Angle

The noun "angle" is a mathematical term that describes the space between two intersecting lines or surfaces diverging from a common point. The word "angle" is also used to describe particular way of approaching an issue. "Angle" can also be used as a verb meaning to fish (from angling).

Examples:
  • I keep both of my Tonys on my mantle. They are placed in front of a mirror so if you look at just the right angle, it looks like I have four! (Actress Swoosie Kurtz)

  • Modesty is the only sure bait when you angle for praise. (British statesman Philip Stanhope)
    • (Here, "angle" is being used as a verb meaning "to fish." It is being used figuratively.)
Read more about angles at www.mathematics-monster.com.

Common Terms with "Angel" and "Angle"

Common terms with the word "angel":
  • angel investing
  • guardian angel
  • angel face
  • angel wings
  • angel eyes
  • fallen angel
  • Angel Falls
  • Every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings.
  • Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.
Common terms with the word "angle":
  • to angle for
  • acute angle
  • adjacent angle
  • angle bisector
  • angle trisector
  • complementary angle
  • corresponding angle
  • exterior angle
  • interior angle
Interactive Exercise
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See Also

adverse or averse? affect or effect? appraise or apprise? avenge or revenge? bare or bear? complement or compliment? dependant or dependent? discreet or discrete? disinterested or uninterested? e.g. or i.e.? envy or jealousy? imply or infer? its or it's? material or materiel? poisonous or venomous? practice or practise? principal or principle? tenant or tenet? who's or whose? What are nouns? What are verbs? What is figurative language? List of easily confused words