gospel - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
gospel Word Meanings
- the teachings of Jesus and the Christian faith
- a genre of music with religious themes
- a basis for belief or principle
gospel Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
gospel Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈɡɒspəl/
US
/ˈɡɑspəl/
gospel Word Etymology
gospel = god + spell; Historical origin: Old English 'gōd-spell' (good news); Memory image: Picture a messenger bringing joyful news, representing the essence of the word 'gospel' as the good news of salvation.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Gospel is a word with several closely related senses in English. It most often refers to the teachings of Jesus and the Christian faith, but it also designates a genre of music that expresses religious themes, particularly in African American communities. More broadly, gospel can mean good news or a basis for belief. Learners should distinguish the singular gospel, the core message, from the plural gospels that refer to different biblical accounts. A simple memory image is a messenger delivering joyful news, which helps recall the idea of good news, salvation, and trust.
Usage Reminders
- - Gospel is broader than church music and is not the Bible itself.
- - Use gospel to mean the core message or the genre of religious music.
- - Distinguish gospel from the plural gospels when referring to multiple sources.
- - In secular writing, gospel can mean a general good news claim.
- - Picture a messenger delivering joyful news to help remember the meaning.
Common Misconceptions
- Gospel means only church music or songs
- Gospel is exactly the same as the Bible or the four gospels in the New Testament
- Gospel always means good news in a secular, everyday sense
- Gospel cannot be used to describe a belief system or principle
- Gospel and gospels always refer to religious texts
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker that gospel combines core message, music, and a sense of good news; learners often confuse the religious core with the musical genre or assume it always means Bible text.
Learning Tips
- Distinguish gospel as core message from gospel as music
- Remember the plural gospels refers to different sources or accounts
- Use 'gospel truth' only in a specific idiomatic sense
- Link gospel to the image of a messenger delivering good news
- Practice both spiritual and secular uses in context
- Check collocations: gospel message, gospel music, gospel truth
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'gospel'?
A.Holy Scripture
B.A type of music
C.Caribbean dish
D.Fashion trend
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is the word 'gospel' used correctly?
A.She danced to the gospel music all night.
B.He read a novel about the gospel of fashion.
C.The chef made a delicious gospel dish.
D.The pastor preached from the gospel book.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'gospel'?
A.Fiction
B.Myth
C.Truth
D.Legend
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite meaning of 'gospel'?
A.Heresy
B.Fable
C.Hypocrisy
D.Doubt
Step 5: Mastery
How is the word 'gospel' used in real-life?
A.In religious teachings
B.In hairstyle trends
C.In political debates
D.In scientific research
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