devilry: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowLiterary; Informal
Quick answer
What does “devilry” mean?
wicked, cruel, or mischievous behaviour.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
wicked, cruel, or mischievous behaviour; acts considered diabolical or evil.
Skilled trickery or elaborate mischief, often with a sense of daring or audacity; sorcery or witchcraft in a literary or archaic context.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or grammatical differences. The term 'deviltry' is an equally correct but less common American variant.
Connotations
Equally strong connotations in both dialects. Slightly more common in British literary contexts.
Frequency
Rare in everyday speech in both dialects, primarily found in writing.
Grammar
How to Use “devilry” in a Sentence
[be] up to devilry[verb of action] + out of sheer devilrythe devilry of + [noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “devilry” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A – 'devilry' is a noun. The related verb is 'devil' (to harass or cook with spicy seasoning).
American English
- N/A – 'devilry' is a noun. The related verb is 'devil' (to harass or cook with spicy seasoning).
adverb
British English
- N/A – The related adverb is 'devilishly'.
American English
- N/A – The related adverb is 'devilishly'.
adjective
British English
- N/A – The related adjective is 'devilish'.
American English
- N/A – The related adjective is 'devilish'.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Almost never used.
Academic
Used in historical, literary, or religious studies contexts (e.g., 'medieval accounts of devilry').
Everyday
Rarely used; if so, figuratively and humorously (e.g., 'What devilry is this?').
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “devilry”
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “devilry”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “devilry”
- Confusing with 'devilment' (very similar meaning).
- Using in overly formal contexts where 'misconduct' or 'wrongdoing' would be expected.
- Misspelling as 'devilery'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are synonyms. 'Deviltry' is an alternative spelling, slightly more common in American English, but 'devilry' is the standard form in both dialects.
No, it is considered a low-frequency, literary word. It is rarely used in casual conversation.
Very rarely. It almost always carries a negative connotation of wickedness or troublesome mischief, though it can sometimes describe audacious cleverness with a grudging admiration.
It is exclusively a noun.
wicked, cruel, or mischievous behaviour.
Devilry is usually literary; informal in register.
Devilry: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdev.lri/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdev.əl.ri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “full of the devil's own devilry”
- “to be up to one's old devilry”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a DEVIL causing a RYhme of trouble; DEVIL + RY = mischievous acts.
Conceptual Metaphor
EVIL/MISCHIEF IS A SUPERNATURAL FORCE (e.g., 'the devilry in his eyes').
Practice
Quiz
What is the closest synonym for 'devilry' in the sentence: 'His eyes sparkled with devilry'?