diablerie: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowLiterary, Archaic
Quick answer
What does “diablerie” mean?
Sorcery or witchcraft.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Sorcery or witchcraft; dealings with the devil or demons.
Devilish conduct or mischief; a representation of devils or demons in art or literature.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant orthographic or meaning differences. Usage is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, it evokes a Gothic, antiquated, or theatrical sense of evil.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary use. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British historical or literary texts due to French influence, but the difference is marginal.
Grammar
How to Use “diablerie” in a Sentence
engage in [diablerie]a [adjective] diablerie ofsteeped in diablerieVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rarely used, confined to studies of Gothic literature, demonology, or art history.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Not used in any technical field.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “diablerie”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “diablerie”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “diablerie”
- Misspelling as 'diablery' (dropping the 'e').
- Mispronunciation by anglicising the final syllable as '-ree' instead of the French-influenced '-ri'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare and considered a literary or archaic term.
Yes, though rarely. It can describe mischievous or roguish behaviour with a theatrical, rather than truly evil, connotation (e.g., 'the diablerie of the clown').
It comes from French, based on 'diable' meaning 'devil'.
No, 'diablerie' is solely a noun. The related word 'diabolise' (to make diabolical) exists but is also very rare.
Sorcery or witchcraft.
Diablerie is usually literary, archaic in register.
Diablerie: in British English it is pronounced /dɪˈɑːbləri/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdiːəˈbleɪri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Diablo' (Spanish for devil) + '-erie' (as in 'sorcery' or 'bakery' - a place/art of). The art of the devil.
Conceptual Metaphor
WICKEDNESS IS A SUPERNATURAL CRAFT.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'diablerie' MOST appropriately used?