What does evangelize mean?
Evangelize is a verb meaning to preach the Christian gospel to others in order to convert them, but its use has broadened considerably beyond religion. Today it also describes passionately advocating for any idea, cause, movement, or product — one might evangelize open-source software, a startup, or a fitness routine — especially when the advocacy involves actively persuading others rather than mere enthusiasm. The word carries connotations of zeal and conviction, and in modern professional contexts it can sound slightly promotional or jargon-laden: companies hire 'developer evangelists' whose role is essentially enthusiastic promotion. It derives from the Greek euangelion ('good news'), the same root that gives us 'gospel' and 'evangelist'. Whether used of missionaries spreading their faith or marketers championing a brand, evangelize always implies an active effort to share a message and recruit believers to it.
To preach the Christian gospel to someone with the intention of converting them; to spread a religious message.
"Missionaries were sent to evangelize the remote coastal communities."
This is the original and most established sense.
To promote or advocate for an idea, cause, or product enthusiastically and persistently, seeking converts to it.
"He spent years evangelizing the benefits of open-source software."
Common in business and technology contexts, where it can carry a slightly jargonistic tone.
"Evangelize" literally contains the Greek word for "good news" — so every time you rave about your favorite app, you're technically spreading gospel.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of evangelize
Evangelize comes from the Late Latin evangelizare, derived from the Greek euangelizesthai, meaning 'to bring good news', from eu- ('good') plus angelos ('messenger'). The related noun euangelion ('good news' or 'gospel') underlies both this verb and the English words 'evangelist', 'evangelical', and ultimately 'gospel', which translates the same Greek term through Old English. The verb entered English in the early modern period, with religious usage well established by the 17th century, and its secular sense of zealous promotion developed much later, gaining traction in late 20th-century American business language.
Related word forms
How evangelize is actually used
In religious contexts the word is straightforward and neutral; in business and technology it has become common jargon (e.g. 'technology evangelist'), sometimes seen as buzzwordy. The British spelling is typically 'evangelise', though 'evangelize' is widely accepted.
Easily confused with evangelize
An evangelist is a person who preaches or zealously promotes something, while evangelize is the verb describing the act of preaching or promoting itself.