diabolic

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. adjective showing the cunning or ingenuity or wickedness typical of a devil
  2. adjective extremely evil or cruel; expressive of cruelty or befitting hell

Etymology

From Middle English diabolik, from Middle French diabolique, from Late Latin diabolicus, from Ancient Greek διαβολικός (diabolikós, “devilish”), from διάβολος (diábolos, “devil”). First attested in 1350–1400.

In classic literature

Synonyms

devilish, diabolical, mephistophelian, mephistophelean

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