devil's triangle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, journalistic, metaphorical
Quick answer
What does “devil's triangle” mean?
A geometric configuration of three points forming a triangle, often associated with mysterious disappearances or dangerous areas.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A geometric configuration of three points forming a triangle, often associated with mysterious disappearances or dangerous areas.
Primarily refers to the Bermuda Triangle region in the Atlantic Ocean where numerous ships and aircraft have reportedly vanished under unexplained circumstances. Also used metaphorically for any area or situation perceived as dangerously unpredictable.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term similarly, though American English shows slightly higher frequency due to geographical proximity to the Bermuda Triangle.
Connotations
Identical connotations of danger and mystery in both varieties.
Frequency
Rare in formal writing; appears mostly in popular media, documentaries, and metaphorical speech.
Grammar
How to Use “devil's triangle” in a Sentence
located in the devil's triangledisappeared in the devil's trianglethe mystery of the devil's triangleVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “devil's triangle” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The devil's triangle mystery continues to fascinate.
- We heard devil's triangle stories from sailors.
American English
- That devil's triangle phenomenon remains unexplained.
- He's researching devil's triangle disappearances.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphor for a risky market or unpredictable business environment.
Academic
Rare; appears in folklore studies or popular culture analysis.
Everyday
Used conversationally to describe confusing or dangerous situations.
Technical
Not used in scientific geography; considered a pop culture term.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “devil's triangle”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “devil's triangle”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “devil's triangle”
- Capitalizing unnecessarily (unless starting a sentence)
- Using in formal scientific papers
- Confusing with 'love triangle' or other triangle idioms
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's a popular culture and media term. Scientists and geographers typically use 'Bermuda Triangle' or discuss specific geographic coordinates.
Yes, it's often used to describe any confusing, dangerous, or unpredictable situation, e.g., 'That merger negotiation was a real devil's triangle.'
They refer to the same region, but 'devil's triangle' is more sensational and informal, while 'Bermuda Triangle' is the standard name.
Generally avoid it in formal academic work. Use 'Bermuda Triangle' instead for precision and neutrality.
A geometric configuration of three points forming a triangle, often associated with mysterious disappearances or dangerous areas.
Devil's triangle is usually informal, journalistic, metaphorical in register.
Devil's triangle: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdev.əlz ˈtraɪ.æŋ.ɡəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdev.əlz ˈtraɪ.æŋ.ɡəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “avoid like the devil's triangle”
- “wandering into a devil's triangle”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
DEVIL'S TRIANGLE: Dangerous + Eerie + Vanishing + Inexplicable + Lost + Strange + Triangle.
Conceptual Metaphor
DANGER IS A GEOMETRIC SHAPE; MYSTERY IS A SUPERNATURAL ENTITY.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary referent of 'devil's triangle'?