evangelize
Americanverb (used with object)
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to preach the gospel to.
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to convert to Christianity.
verb (used without object)
verb
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to preach the Christian gospel or a particular interpretation of it (to)
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(intr) to advocate a cause with the object of making converts
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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evangelizesimple
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evangelizessimple
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have evangelizedperfect
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has evangelizedperfect
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am evangelizingprogressive
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are evangelizingprogressive
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is evangelizingprogressive
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have been evangelizingperfect progressive
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has been evangelizingperfect progressive
Past
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evangelizedsimple
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had evangelizedperfect
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was evangelizingprogressive
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were evangelizingprogressive
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had been evangelizingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of evangelize
1350–1400; Middle English evangelisen < Late Latin evangelizāre < Late Greek euangelízein. See evangel 1, -ize
Compare meaning
How does evangelize compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
To evangelize is to share religious beliefs, especially Christian ones, with other people. Preachers and ministers evangelize from the pulpit in their churches every Sunday. Certain Christians believe that it's important to evangelize to others — to preach the gospel and convey what they believe. In some cases, Christian missionaries travel to foreign countries to evangelize. The ultimate goal for those who evangelize tends to be converting non-Christians to Christianity. The word evangelize comes from the Church Latin evangelizare, "to spread or preach the Gospel," with the Greek root euangelizesthai, or "bring good news."
Vocabulary lists containing evangelize
The Miseducation of Cameron Post
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Paradise Lost
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Tess of the d'Urbervilles
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It very easily could be a desire to evangelize and spread the message of a certain way of living, but it also could just be wanting to sell a mixing bowl.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026
Maybe I wouldn’t be so tempted to evangelize if it weren’t for Cruise and director Chris McQuarrie’s ability to so presciently understand what the “Mission: Impossible” franchise can be.
From Salon • May 24, 2025
In that way, the choice to debut “Galilee, 34” at an Orange County theater “is mirroring what the play is about,” said actor Berryman of the characters’ debate about where to evangelize.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 26, 2024
They evangelize about important deadlines for financial aid and guide students through their college decisions.
From Seattle Times • Jan. 22, 2024
Again, how is it that none but the free people of color have been chosen to evangelize Africa?
From Thoughts on African Colonization by Garrison, William Lloyd
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
