deviltry: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2Literary, archaic, formal
Quick answer
What does “deviltry” mean?
Extremely wicked or cruel behaviour.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Extremely wicked or cruel behaviour.
Mischievous or playfully wicked behaviour; something that is considered unnaturally complex or fiendish.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling 'devilry' is more common in British English, while 'deviltry' is more common in American English. Both are understood everywhere.
Connotations
Similar in both varieties, with strong literary or historical associations.
Frequency
Rare in both, but slightly more frequent in American English due to the 't' spelling which helps maintain the pronunciation link to 'devil'.
Grammar
How to Use “deviltry” in a Sentence
Noun (Subject): The deviltry was shocking.Noun (Object): They accused him of deviltry.Prepositional Phrase: He was known for his deviltry.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “deviltry” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - No standard verb form.
American English
- N/A - No standard verb form.
adverb
British English
- N/A - The adverbial form is 'devilishly'.
American English
- N/A - The adverbial form is 'devilishly'.
adjective
British English
- N/A - The adjectival form is 'devilish'.
American English
- N/A - The adjectival form is 'devilish'.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Almost never used. Might appear metaphorically in critiques of unethical corporate behaviour: 'The financial collapse was not mere incompetence, but sheer deviltry.'
Academic
Rare, primarily in literary or historical studies discussing themes of evil or folklore.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would sound old-fashioned or overly dramatic.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “deviltry”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “deviltry”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “deviltry”
- Spelling confusion between 'devilry' and 'deviltry'.
- Using it in modern, casual contexts where it sounds unnatural.
- Confusing it with 'devilment' (which is more common and often lighter in tone).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are correct. 'Devilry' is the original and more common British spelling. 'Deviltry' is a chiefly American variant, likely influenced by the pronunciation of 'devil'.
'Mischief' is playful, often harmless naughtiness. 'Deviltry' implies a much darker, more wicked, or even malicious intent, often with a supernatural or fiendish connotation. It is a much stronger word.
Rarely, and only with heavy irony or in a very literary context. The word's core association with the devil makes it overwhelmingly negative. For playful wickedness, 'devilment' or 'roguery' are better choices.
No, it is quite rare. It belongs to a literary, archaic, or highly formal register. You are much more likely to encounter it in classic literature, historical writing, or dramatic speech than in everyday conversation.
Extremely wicked or cruel behaviour.
Deviltry is usually literary, archaic, formal in register.
Deviltry: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɛv(ə)ltri/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɛvəltri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Sheer deviltry”
- “Up to his old deviltry”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: DEVIL + try (as in an attempt). The deviltry is the devil's attempt to cause wicked mischief.
Conceptual Metaphor
MISCHIEF/EVIL IS THE WORK OF THE DEVIL.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST likely context for the word 'deviltry'?