Angel vs. Ghost — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 9, 2024
An angel is a spiritual being believed to act as a messenger of God, often depicted with wings, while a ghost is thought to be the spirit of a deceased person, typically associated with haunting locations.
Difference Between Angel and Ghost
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Angels are considered celestial beings in many religious traditions, serving as messengers, protectors, and guides for humans. They are often depicted with wings and are seen as pure and holy entities. On the other hand, ghosts are believed to be the spirits or souls of deceased individuals who have not moved on to the afterlife for various reasons, such as unfinished business.
Angels are usually associated with positive imagery and connotations, often invoked for protection and guidance. They are seen as intermediaries between the divine and humanity, bringing messages from God to people. Whereas, ghosts are often associated with fear, mystery, and sometimes malevolence, haunting specific locations and sometimes interacting with the living in unsettling ways.
Culturally, angels are venerated and celebrated in many religions around the world, with festivals, art, and prayers dedicated to them. They symbolize hope, faith, and divine presence. Ghosts, while also a part of many cultures, are usually subjects of fascination, fear, and superstition rather than veneration, often featuring in ghost stories, horror movies, and Halloween traditions.
Beliefs about angels often involve their role in the afterlife, serving in heaven and interacting with deities or the divine realm. They are seen as part of a structured spiritual hierarchy. In contrast, beliefs about ghosts are centered around their earthly attachments, reasons for lingering among the living, and methods for their peaceful transition to the afterlife, reflecting diverse cultural perspectives on gone and what lies beyond.
Comparison Chart
Nature
Spiritual being serving as a divine messenger
Spirit of a deceased person
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Connotations
Positive, holy, protective
Often negative, associated with hauntings
Cultural Representation
Celebrated in religion, art, and festivals
Featured in horror stories, films, and folklore
Role in Afterlife
Serve in heaven, guide souls
Unresolved earthly attachments
Symbolism
Hope, divine connection, guidance
Mystery, unresolved issues, fear
Compare with Definitions
Angel
A spiritual guardian or protector.
People often pray to their guardian angel for protection.
Ghost
A haunting presence in a specific location.
The old mansion is said to be haunted by the ghost of its original owner.
Angel
Symbolic of divine guidance and protection.
Artwork often portrays angels guiding and protecting people.
Ghost
A symbol of unresolved issues or the past lingering.
In literature, a ghost may represent unresolved guilt or secrets.
Angel
A celestial being serving as a divine messenger.
Many religions tell of angels bringing messages from God to humans.
Ghost
The spirit of a deceased person.
Ghost stories often involve the spirits of those who have died tragically.
Angel
A messenger of God in various religious traditions.
Angels are depicted in religious texts as delivering God's commands.
Ghost
An entity believed to interact with the living.
Some claim to have communicated with ghosts through séances.
Angel
A figure of purity and goodness.
In literature, a character with a pure heart may be metaphorically called an angel.
Ghost
A figure in stories associated with fear and the supernatural.
Halloween is a time when ghost tales are popular among children.
Angel
The highest waterfall; has more than one leap; flow varies seasonally
Ghost
Act as ghostwriter of (a work)
His memoirs were smoothly ghosted by a journalist
Angel
An angel is a supernatural being in various religions. The theological study of angels is known as angelology.
Ghost
Glide smoothly and effortlessly
They ghosted up the river
Angel
A person of exemplary conduct or virtue
Their parents think they are angels
I know I'm no angel
Ghost
End a personal relationship with (someone) by suddenly and without explanation withdrawing from all communication
I didn't want to ghost her, so we ended up having ‘the talk’ and it was horrible
People who ghost are primarily focused on avoiding their own emotional discomfort
Being ghosted is one of the toughest ways to be dumped
Angel
A person who supports a business financially, typically one who invests private capital in a small or newly established enterprise
The longer it takes you to get your product into the marketplace, the longer it will be until the angels get their money back
Ghost
A person's spirit or soul
Was sick for months and finally gave up the ghost.
Angel
A former English coin minted between the reigns of Edward IV and Charles I and bearing the figure of the archangel Michael killing a dragon.
Ghost
A returning or haunting memory or image.
Angel
An aircraft's altitude (often used with a numeral indicating thousands of feet)
We rendezvous at angels nine
Ghost
A slight or faint trace
Just a ghost of a smile.
Angel
An unexplained radar echo.
Ghost
The tiniest bit
Not a ghost of a chance.
Angel
A typically benevolent celestial being that acts as an intermediary between heaven and earth, especially in Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Zoroastrianism.
Ghost
An unwanted image on a television or radar screen caused by reflected waves.
Angel
A representation of such a being, especially in Christianity, conventionally in the image of a human figure with a halo and wings.
Ghost
A displaced image in a photograph caused by the optical system of the camera.
Angel
Angels(Christianity) The last of the nine orders of angels in medieval angelology. From the highest to the lowest in rank, the orders are
Seraphim, cherubim, thrones, dominations or dominions, virtues, powers, principalities, archangels, and angels.
Ghost
An unwanted spectral line caused by imperfections in a diffraction grating.
Angel
A guardian spirit or guiding influence.
Ghost
A displaced image in a mirror caused by reflection from the front of the glass.
Angel
A kind and lovable person.
Ghost
(Informal) A ghostwriter.
Angel
One who manifests goodness, purity, and selflessness.
Ghost
A nonexistent publication listed in bibliographies.
Angel
A financial backer of an enterprise, especially a dramatic production or a political campaign.
Ghost
A fictitious employee or business.
Angel
An incorporeal and sometimes divine messenger from a deity, or other divine entity, often depicted in art as a youthful winged figure in flowing robes.
Ghost
(Physiology) A red blood cell having no hemoglobin.
Angel
(Abrahamic tradition) One of the lowest order of such beings, below virtues.
Ghost
(Informal) To engage in ghostwriting.
Angel
A person having the qualities attributed to angels, such as purity or selflessness.
Thanks for making me breakfast in bed, you little angel.
Ghost
To move noiselessly like a ghost
“Two young deer ghosted out of the woods” (Nancy M. Debevoise).
Angel
(obsolete) Attendant spirit; genius; demon.
Ghost
To haunt.
Angel
An official (a bishop, or sometimes a minister) who heads a Christian church, especially a Catholic Apostolic Church.
Ghost
(Informal) To ghostwrite
Was hired to ghost the memoirs of a famous executive.
Angel
(historical) An English gold coin, bearing the figure of the archangel Michael, circulated between the 15th and 17th centuries, and varying in value from six shillings and eightpence to ten shillings.
Ghost
The spirit; the human soul.
Angel
An altitude, measured in thousands of feet.
Ghost
Any faint shadowy semblance; an unsubstantial image.
Not a ghost of a chance
The ghost of an idea
Angel
An unidentified flying object detected by air traffic control radar.
Ghost
A false image formed in a telescope, camera, or other optical device by reflection from the surfaces of one or more lenses.
Angel
(finance) An angel investor.
Ghost
An unwanted image similar to and overlapping or adjacent to the main one on a television screen, caused by the transmitted image being received both directly and via reflection.
Angel
(theater) The person who funds a show.
Ghost
A ghostwriter.
Angel
(informal) A person who has Angelman syndrome.
Ghost
A nonexistent person invented to obtain some fraudulent benefit.
Angel
To support by donating money.
Ghost
(Internet) An unresponsive user on IRC, resulting from the user's client disconnecting without notifying the server.
Angel
A messenger.
The dear good angel of the Spring,The nightingale.
Ghost
(computing) An image of a file or hard disk.
Angel
A spiritual, celestial being, superior to man in power and intelligence. In the Scriptures the angels appear as God's messengers.
O, welcome, pure-eyed Faith, white-handed Hope,Thou hovering angel, girt with golden wings.
Ghost
(theatre) An understudy.
Angel
One of a class of "fallen angels;" an evil spirit; as, the devil and his angels.
Ghost
(espionage) A covert (and deniable) agent.
Angel
A minister or pastor of a church, as in the Seven Asiatic churches.
Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write.
Ghost
The faint image that remains after an attempt to remove graffiti.
Angel
Attendant spirit; genius; demon.
Ghost
(video games) An opponent in a racing game that follows a previously recorded route, allowing players to compete against previous best times.
Angel
An appellation given to a person supposed to be of angelic goodness or loveliness; a darling.
When pain and anguish wring the brow,A ministering angel thou.
Ghost
Someone whose identity cannot be established because there are no records of him/her.
Angel
An ancient gold coin of England, bearing the figure of the archangel Michael. It varied in value from 6s. 8d. to 10s.
Ghost
(quantum physics) An unphysical state in a gauge theory.
Angel
Spiritual being attendant upon God
Ghost
A formerly nonexistent character that was at some point mistakenly encoded into a character set standard, which might have since become used opportunistically for some genuine purpose.
Angel
Person of exceptional holiness
Ghost
(countable) ghost pepper
Angel
Invests in a theatrical production
Ghost
(uncountable) A game in which players take turns to add a letter to a possible word, trying not to complete a word.
Ghost
White or pale.
Ghost slug
Ghost
Transparent or translucent.
Ghost ant
Ghost catfish
Ghost
(attributive) Abandoned.
Ghost town
Ghost ship
Ghost
(attributive) Remnant; the remains of a(n).
Ghost cell
Ghost crater
Ghost image
Ghost
(attributive) Perceived or listed but not real.
Ghost cellphone vibration
Ghost pain
Ghost island
Ghost voter
Ghost
(attributive) Of cryptid, supernatural or extraterrestrial nature.
Ghost rocket
Ghost deer
Ghost
(attributive) Substitute.
Ghost writer
Ghost singer
Ghost
To haunt; to appear to in the form of an apparition.
Ghost
(obsolete) To die; to expire.
Ghost
(literary) To imbue with a ghost-like hue or effect.
Ghost
(ambitransitive) To ghostwrite.
Ghost
(nautical) To sail seemingly without wind.
Ghost
(computing) To copy a file or hard drive image.
Ghost
(GUI) To gray out (a visual item) to indicate that it is unavailable.
Ghost
To forcibly disconnect an IRC user who is using one's reserved nickname.
Ghost
(intransitive) To appear or move without warning, quickly and quietly; to slip.
Ghost
(transitive) To transfer (a prisoner) to another prison without the prior knowledge of other inmates.
Ghost
(slang) To kill.
Ghost
To perform an act of ghosting: to break up with someone without warning or explanation; to ignore someone, especially on social media.
Ghost
(film) To provide the speaking or singing voice for another actor, who is lip-syncing.
Ghost
The spirit; the soul of man.
Then gives her grieved ghost thus to lament.
Ghost
Any faint shadowy semblance; an unsubstantial image; a phantom; a glimmering; as, not a ghost of a chance; the ghost of an idea.
Each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.
Ghost
A false image formed in a telescope by reflection from the surfaces of one or more lenses.
And he gave up the ghost full softly.
Jacob . . . yielded up the ghost, and was gathered unto his people
Ghost
To die; to expire.
Ghost
To appear to or haunt in the form of an apparition.
Ghost
A mental representation of some haunting experience;
He looked like he had seen a ghost
It aroused specters from his past
Ghost
A writer who gives the credit of authorship to someone else
Ghost
A suggestion of some quality;
There was a touch of sarcasm in his tone
He detected a ghost of a smile on her face
Ghost
Move like a ghost;
The masked men ghosted across the moonlit yard
Ghost
Haunt like a ghost; pursue;
Fear of illness haunts her
Ghost
Write for someone else;
How many books have you ghostwritten so far?
Common Curiosities
What is an angel?
An angel is a spiritual being believed to serve as a messenger or servant of God, often depicted with wings and associated with purity and protection.
Why do ghosts haunt specific locations?
Ghosts are said to haunt specific places due to unfinished business, strong emotional attachments, or traumatic events experienced in those locations.
Can angels protect people?
Many believe that angels can offer protection and guidance, helping individuals navigate through challenges and offering comfort.
How do angels communicate with humans?
Angels are believed to communicate through visions, dreams, and inner feelings, serving as divine messengers.
Are ghosts always considered to be malevolent?
Not all ghosts are considered malevolent; some are thought to be benign presences or manifestations of unresolved emotions or messages.
Do all cultures believe in angels and ghosts?
While the concepts of angels and ghosts are prevalent in many cultures, the interpretations, beliefs, and significance of these beings can vary widely.
Why are angels depicted with wings?
Wings symbolize the ability of angels to traverse between the divine realm and the earthly realm, serving as messengers between God and humans.
What is a ghost?
A ghost is thought to be the spirit of a deceased person that remains on Earth, often associated with specific locations or haunting experiences.
What causes a ghost to manifest?
Ghosts are often thought to manifest due to strong emotional ties to the physical world, unresolved issues, or seeking justice or closure.
What is the role of angels in religious texts?
In religious texts, angels often serve as messengers of God, deliverers of divine justice, and protectors of the faithful.
What are guardian angels?
Guardian angels are believed to be assigned to protect and guide a particular person or group, offering spiritual support and protection.
Can ghosts interact with the physical world?
There are many anecdotes and stories suggesting that ghosts can interact with the physical world in various ways, though such interactions are often subtle.
Are there different types of angels?
Yes, many religious and spiritual traditions describe different hierarchies and types of angels with specific roles and attributes.
How can one communicate with a ghost?
Some believe that it's possible to communicate with ghosts through mediums, séances, or by using electronic devices designed to detect their presence.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
