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devilish

[ˈdev(ə)liʃ]

devilish Definition

  • 1showing cunning or ingenuity or wickedness typical of a devil
  • 2extremely difficult or unpleasant

Using devilish: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "devilish" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    He had a devilish grin on his face.

  • Example

    She has a devilish sense of humor.

  • Example

    The devilish task took hours to complete.

  • Example

    The devilish weather ruined our plans.

devilish Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for devilish

Antonyms for devilish

Idioms Using devilish

  • give the devil his due

    acknowledge someone's good qualities even though you don't like them

    Example

    I don't like him, but I have to give the devil his due - he's a great salesman.

  • play devil's advocate

    to argue against something for the sake of argument, not because you believe it

    Example

    I don't really think we should invest in that company, but I'll play devil's advocate and argue for it.

  • the devil is in the details

    small things in plans, ideas, or tasks that can cause problems if they are not dealt with carefully

    Example

    We need to make sure we go over everything carefully - the devil is in the details.

Phrases with devilish

  • devilish good

    extremely good or enjoyable

    Example

    The food at the restaurant was devilish good.

  • devilish charm

    a charm that is seductive and alluring but also dangerous and potentially harmful

    Example

    He used his devilish charm to manipulate people into doing what he wanted.

  • devilish grin

    a mischievous or wicked smile

    Example

    He had a devilish grin on his face when he told the joke.

Origins of devilish

from Middle English 'develisch', from Old English 'deofolisc'

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Summary: devilish in Brief

The term 'devilish' [ˈdev(ə)liʃ] describes something that is cunning, wicked, or difficult. It can refer to a person's behavior, as in 'He had a devilish grin on his face,' or to a task, as in 'The devilish task took hours to complete.' 'Devilish' can also be used in phrases like 'devilish good,' meaning extremely good or enjoyable, and idioms like 'give the devil his due,' acknowledging someone's good qualities despite not liking them.