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Devilishness: meaning, definitions and examples

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devilishness

 

[ ˈdɛvəlɪʃnəs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

character trait

Devilishness refers to the quality or state of being devilish, which is characterized by mischief, wickedness, or a playful yet malevolent nature. It often implies a sense of cunning or a tendency to cause trouble or pain, sometimes with a hint of charm or allure. In many contexts, it can describe behavior that is delightfully wicked or mischievous.

Synonyms

deceitfulness, mischievousness, slyness, wickedness

Examples of usage

  • His devilishness was evident in his pranks.
  • The devilishness of her smile hinted at a hidden agenda.
  • There was a certain devilishness in his laughter.
  • The story was filled with devilishness and intrigue.

Translations

Translations of the word "devilishness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 diabólica

🇮🇳 शैतानियत

🇩🇪 Teuflisches

🇮🇩 kekejaman

🇺🇦 дияволізм

🇵🇱 diabelstwo

🇯🇵 悪魔的なこと

🇫🇷 diabolisme

🇪🇸 diablura

🇹🇷 şeytanlık

🇰🇷 악마적임

🇸🇦 شيطنة

🇨🇿 ďábelskost

🇸🇰 diabolizmus

🇨🇳 恶魔性

🇸🇮 hudičevost

🇮🇸 djöflaleikur

🇰🇿 жындылық

🇬🇪 ეშმაკური

🇦🇿 şeytani

🇲🇽 diablura

Etymology

The word 'devilishness' is derived from the root word 'devil', which comes from the Old English 'deofol', meaning 'slanderer', and has its origins in the Late Latin 'diabolus', which itself comes from the Greek 'diabolos', meaning 'to slander' or 'to throw across'. The suffix '-ness' is used in English to form nouns that denote a state or quality. Over time, 'devilishness' has taken on layers of meaning, associated not just with the character of an actual devil in various religious and cultural contexts but also as a descriptor for behavior that is playfully wicked or mischievous. In literature and folklore, devilishness is often ascribed to characters who embody a playful yet dangerous charm, making the term rich in connotation and nuance.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,713, 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.