Angel or Angle?

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

home▸sitemap▸A-Z confused words ▸angel or 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. (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.

angle

This is a good spot to angle for cod.

"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.

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. (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).

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! (Actress Swoosie Kurtz)
Modesty is the only sure bait when you angle for praise. (British statesman Philip Stanhope)