What does evangelically mean?
Evangelically is an adverb meaning in the manner of an evangelist or in accordance with evangelical Christian teachings. It describes an approach that is earnest, direct, and focused on communicating a message, especially the Christian gospel. In explicitly religious contexts, the word can refer to evangelistic work, preaching, or missionary activity. In broader discussions of politics, media, and campaigning, it can characterize forceful promotion of a cause. Such uses often carry a critical implication that the speaker is attempting to persuade others rather than conduct a balanced discussion. The related adjective evangelical describes people, beliefs, institutions, or principles, whereas the adverb explains how an action is carried out. Because it specifies a manner of communicating or advocating, evangelically is generally more specialized and potentially more judgmental than words such as enthusiastically or passionately. Its unusual history gives the word additional resonance: it ultimately derives from a Greek term meaning good news.
adverbIn the manner characteristic of an evangelist or evangelical; in accordance with evangelical Christian principles.
- In the manner of an evangelist or in accordance with evangelical Christian principles.
"She worked evangelically, sharing her faith with neighbors and emphasizing the message of the gospel."
"The missionaries traveled evangelically, seeking to communicate the gospel wherever they went."
"The campaign was organized evangelically, using persuasive appeals and repeated public messages."
At its root, evangelically conceals the Greek message of "good news": Greek euangelion combined words meaning "good" and "messenger."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does evangelically come from?
The adverb evangelically was formed in English from evangelical plus the suffix -ly. The adjective evangelical was ultimately derived from Greek euangelikos, meaning “of or relating to good news” and connected with euangelion, a compound of eu, “good,” and angelos, “messenger.” English cognates including evangelist, evangelism, evangelize, and gospel reflect the same Greek origin.
How evangelically is actually used
A relatively uncommon and formal word. In religious contexts it is descriptive, while in secular political or cultural contexts it can suggest zealous, one-sided promotion of a cause and may therefore sound critical.
Easily confused with evangelically
Evangelical is an adjective describing a person, belief, organization, or principle, whereas evangelically is an adverb describing how an action is performed.