What does angelically mean?
Angelically is an adverb describing actions, expressions, or qualities done in a manner befitting an angel — with exceptional sweetness, purity, innocence, or serene beauty. It most often characterises people, especially children, whose smiles, singing, sleeping faces, or behaviour seem touched by an otherworldly gentleness. The word can also carry a note of gentle irony: a child who has just caused mischief may look angelically innocent, suggesting the appearance of virtue may not match reality. Derived from the adjective 'angelic', it traces back through Latin 'angelicus' to the Greek 'angelos', meaning messenger. Angelically is common in literary, religious, and everyday descriptive contexts across both British and American English, valued for the vivid contrast it can create between outward appearance and inner nature.
adverbIn a manner characteristic of an angel; with angelic sweetness, purity, or innocence. Also used to describe something done in an extremely good, kind, or serenely beautiful way.
- In a manner resembling that of an angel — with sweetness, purity, or innocence.
- In an exceptionally good, kind, or beautifully serene way.
"The child smiled angelically as she handed back the lost wallet."
"She sang angelically, her voice filling the cathedral with warmth."
"Despite the chaos around him, the monk remained angelically calm."
The word 'angelically' descends from Greek 'angelos', which originally meant simply 'messenger' — the heavenly connotation came only later.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of angelically
Angelically derives from the adjective 'angelic', which entered English via Latin 'angelicus' from Greek 'angelikos', rooted in 'angelos' — originally meaning 'messenger'. The adverb form developed alongside its parent adjective, appearing in English by at least the early modern period. Related words sharing this Greek root include 'angel', 'evangelical', and 'archangel', all ultimately tied to the idea of a divine or spiritual messenger.
Related word forms
How angelically is actually used
Often used to describe children's behaviour or expressions, sometimes with a hint of irony when the apparent innocence is deceptive. The word carries a warm, positive connotation and appears more in literary and descriptive prose than in everyday technical writing.
Easily confused with angelically
'Angelical' is an adjective meaning angel-like or pertaining to angels, while 'angelically' is the adverb form used to describe how something is done.