gospel

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable or uncountable

   The teaching of Christianity, especially as found in the first four books of the New Testament.

   Grammar: Often capitalized when referring to a specific book: the Gospel of John. Uncountable when referring to the message: preach the gospel.

   Patterns

   • preach the gospel
   • the Gospel of John

   The missionaries traveled to spread the gospel.

   She read the Gospel of Matthew every morning.

   The gospel teaches love and forgiveness.

2. 2noununcountable

   A style of Christian music with African American roots, featuring strong vocals and call-and-response.

   Grammar: Used as an uncountable noun: I love gospel. Can be used before another noun: a gospel choir.

   Patterns

   • gospel music
   • a gospel choir

   The church choir sang a moving gospel.

   He grew up listening to gospel on Sunday mornings.

   Her powerful voice is perfect for gospel.

3. 3noununcountableinformal

   Something that is accepted as completely true and reliable.

   Grammar: Informal; often in the phrase 'gospel truth'.

   Patterns

   • take something as gospel
   • the gospel truth

   Don't take everything she says as gospel.

   He treats the weather forecast as gospel truth.

   I wouldn't take that rumor as gospel.

Word forms

Common combinations

preach the gospel

The minister preached the gospel to the congregation.

gospel music

Gospel music filled the auditorium.

gospel choir

The gospel choir performed at the community center.

take as gospel

You shouldn't take his words as gospel.

Synonyms and how they differ

doctrine

A set of teachings; gospel specifically refers to Christian teachings.

scripture

Sacred writings; gospel often refers to the New Testament books.

Word family

gospeler noun

A person who reads the gospel in a church service.

Commonly confused: gospel or gossip?

Practice

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Write a sentence using “gospel”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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