French word

diabolique

Pronunciation

IPA/djabolik/

Meaning

  • adjectivedemonic

Example

Il a un rire diabolique.

He has a demonic laugh.

Illustration for diabolique (demonic)

More examples

Son plan diabolique a fonctionné.

His diabolical plan worked.

Core concept

A dark intelligence that turns cleverness into cruelty and harmful deception.

Common phrases

  • plan diabolique

    diabolical plan

  • idée diabolique

    diabolical idea

  • sourire diabolique

    diabolical smile

Similar words

méchant: Unkind or nasty toward other people.
cruel: Willing to cause suffering without regard for others' pain.
malveillant: Having malicious intent to harm others.
sournois: Appearing modest while secretly using underhanded schemes.

Definition in French

Qui évoque le diable ou ses traits : cruel, malfaisant ou doté d'une ruse perverse.

Word origin

French diabolique continues Latin diabolicus, a Greek-based form linked to diabolos, the slanderer or accuser.

Usage tips

  • Diabolique is a strong condemnation, but context can give it an admiring sense of exceptional cleverness.

Other meanings

  • eviladjective
  • ingeniousadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • diaboliserdemonizeverb
  • diabolisédemonizedadjective

Word lists with this word