gospel

¹gos·pel

noun \ˈgäs-pəl\

Definition of GOSPEL

1

a often capitalized : the message concerning Christ, the kingdom of God, and salvation b capitalized : one of the first four New Testament books telling of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ; also : a similar apocryphal book c : an interpretation of the Christian message <the social gospel>

2

capitalized : a lection from one of the New Testament Gospels

3

: the message or teachings of a religious teacher

4

: something accepted or promoted as infallible truth or as a guiding principle or doctrine <took her words as gospel> <spreading the gospel of conservation — R. M. Hodesh>

5

: gospel music

— gos·pel·ly \ˈgäs-pə-lē\ adjective

Examples of GOSPEL

1. a reading from the Gospel of St. John
2. <her private gospel is to do good cheerfully and without any expectation of reward>

Origin of GOSPEL

Middle English, from Old English gōdspel (translation of Late Latin evangelium), from gōd good + spell tale — more at spell

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to GOSPEL

Synonyms: credo, doctrine, dogma, creed, ideology (also idealogy), philosophy, testament

Related Words: manifesto; metaphysic, theory; axiom, tenet, watchword

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