Devilish: meaning, definitions and examples
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devilish
[ˈdɛvəlɪʃ ]
Definitions
mischievous behavior
Showing a strong desire to cause trouble or harm, often in a playful or mischievous way. Typically used to describe someone who enjoys pranks or causing chaos.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| devilish |
In some contexts, it can also be used playfully to describe someone's cunning or clever behavior in a not entirely innocent way.
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| mischievous |
It is suitable for describing behavior that is playful but causing annoyance or minor trouble.
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| naughty |
Use this word for describing behavior that is disobedient or slightly improper, often used when speaking about children.
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| impish |
This word is best used to describe someone who is playfully mischievous and behaves in a way that is more innocent than harmful.
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Examples of usage
- He had a devilish grin on his face as he plotted his next prank.
- The children's devilish behavior was a constant source of amusement for their parents.
extremely wicked or cruel
Characterized by extreme wickedness or cruelty. Used to describe actions or behavior that are evil or harmful.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| devilish |
This word is used to describe someone or something who is cunning or mischievous, often with a playful or charmingly naughty connotation.
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| wicked |
This word can be used both negatively and positively. Negatively, it describes something morally wrong or bad. Positively, it can be colloquially used to describe something excellent or impressive.
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| evil |
This word is used to describe a person or action that is profoundly immoral and malevolent, often with a strong religious or mythological undertone.
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| cruel |
This word refers to someone who causes pain or suffering without any sense of remorse. The context is often serious and carries a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- The villain's devilish plan involved destroying the entire city.
- She unleashed a devilish fury upon her enemies.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Old English 'deofol', which means 'devil' and relates to the idea of mischief.
- The suffix '-ish' is often added to words to indicate a resemblance or a smaller degree of something, like 'childish' means 'like a child'.
- In various historical texts, its usage evolved to describe not just evil but also playful or trickster behavior.
Literature
- In many classic tales, characters with devilish traits often embody humor or cunning, providing both conflict and comedy.
- Notable works, like Goethe's 'Faust', present characters that exhibit devilish qualities, leading others astray for their purposes.
- The word has been used in various fairy tales to describe characters that are charming yet mischievous, adding depth to their personalities.
Pop Culture
- In comics and movies, devilish characters often have charm; they are portrayed as anti-heroes or likable rogues.
- Popular Halloween costumes often feature devilish characters, emphasizing the fun and playful side of mischief during festivities.
- Songs and music videos have embraced devilish themes, often highlighting the allure and appeal of being naughty while still entertaining.
Psychology
- People can exhibit devilish behavior as a way to cope with stress, using humor or playful mischief as a relief mechanism.
- Research suggests that a touch of devilishness in playful banter can actually strengthen social bonds and increase group cohesion.
- The concept of 'devil's advocate' in debates reflects a strategic use of devilish reasoning to consider different perspectives.
Translations
Translations of the word "devilish" in other languages:
🇵🇹 diabólico
🇮🇳 शैतानी
🇩🇪 teuflisch
🇮🇩 jahat
🇺🇦 диявольський
🇵🇱 diabelski
🇯🇵 悪魔のような
🇫🇷 diabolique
🇪🇸 diabólico
🇹🇷 şeytani
🇰🇷 악마 같은
🇸🇦 شيطاني
🇨🇿 ďábelský
🇸🇰 diabolský
🇨🇳 恶魔的
🇸🇮 hudičev
🇮🇸 djöfullegur
🇰🇿 шайтандық
🇬🇪 ეშმაკური
🇦🇿 şeytani
🇲🇽 diabólico