Angel or Angle?

by Craig Shrives

What Is the Difference between "Angel" and "Angle"?

The Quick Answer

Angel

(noun) "a guardian spirit that acts as an agent or messenger of God"
  • Peace is the first thing the angels sang. correct tick (Poet John Keble)

Angle

(noun or verb) "the space between two intersecting lines (noun)" or "to fish (verb)"
  • The angles in an equilateral triangle are all 60 degrees. correct tick
    • (The word "angle" comes from the Latin word "angulus" meaning "corner.")
  • This is a good spot to angle for cod. correct tick
angel or angle?
"Angel" and "angle" are easy to confuse because the spellings are so similar and pronunciation in English is so inconsistent. With "angel," the "g" is pronounced like a "j." With "angle," the "g" is pronounced like a normal "g." This is the root of the confusion between the two words.
tattoo of angel used wrongly

Spelling mistakes involving "angel" and "angle" are common, particularly in tattoos.

Quick Test on Angel and Angle

It's your go. Select the correct one:

Angel

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

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

Example sentences with "angel":
  • I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free. correct tick (Italian sculptor Michelangelo)
  • It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels. correct tick (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).

Example sentences with "angle":
  • 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! correct tick (Actress Swoosie Kurtz)
  • Modesty is the only sure bait when you angle for praise. correct tick (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

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