Bedevilling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Literature

• Bedevilling situations appear in classic literature, where characters often face repeated challenges or mischief from other characters.
• In Shakespeare’s works, characters often find themselves bedeviled by circumstances, leading to complex narratives.
• Contemporary authors employ this term to express the frustrations of modern life, illustrating how everyday challenges can feel relentless.

Pop Culture

• In movies and TV shows, characters are often depicted as being bedeviled by quirky sidekicks that lead them into funny, troublesome predicaments.
• Comedies frequently use the theme of being bedeviled to create humor, showing characters trying to solve problems that seem to multiply.
• Bedevilling can also describe plotlines where heroes face relentless setbacks, often adding to the tension and drama.

Psychology

• People often feel bedeviled by anxiety and worries that seem to multiply, affecting their overall well-being.
• The term reflects a common human experience — feeling overwhelmed by problems that seem to come from nowhere.
• Therapeutic approaches often aim to help individuals manage feelings of being bedeviled by stressors in their lives.

Everyday Usage

• Common phrases like 'bedeviled by details' highlight how minor problems can become major distractions.
• In technology, users may describe software bugs as bedeviling them, reflecting a universal frustration with anything that doesn't work as intended.
• Many people express being bedeviled by procrastination, where tasks grow increasingly daunting the longer they are delayed.

Main points about word origin

• The word 'bedevilling' comes from 'bedevil', combining 'be-' (meaning to cause some action) and 'devil', suggesting troublesome behavior.
• First recorded use of 'bedevil' dates back to the late 16th century, showing its long-standing presence in the language.
• The 'be-' prefix is often used in English to mean 'to cause or surround,' which adds to the sense of being overwhelmed by issues.

The term 'bedevilling' is derived from the verb 'bedevil', which has origins in Late Middle English. It is a combination of 'be-' (a prefix meaning 'about', 'around', or 'in the manner of') and 'devil', which comes from the Old French 'deu', evolving from Latin 'diabolus', meaning 'slanderer' or 'accuser'. The concept of being bedevilled has connotations of being plagued by malevolent forces or overwhelming problems, tying back to the mythical idea of the devil as a source of temptation and distress. Over time, 'bedevil' transitioned into a figurative sense, where it could refer to any troublesome or tormenting experience, not solely of a supernatural nature. The term has been used in literature and common conversation to highlight the stresses and annoyances that trouble people's daily lives.

At position #41,902, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.

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