Langimage
English

devilishly

|dev-il-ish-ly|

B2

/ˈdɛvəlɪʃ/

(devilish)

like a devil; extremely

Base FormComparativeComparativeSuperlativeSuperlative
devilishmore devilishmore devilishlymost devilishmost devilishly
Etymology
Etymology Information

'devilishly' originates from English, specifically from the adjective 'devilish' (formed from 'devil' + suffix '-ish') with the adverbial suffix '-ly'.

Historical Evolution

'devilish' changed from Middle English 'devilish' (from 'devil' + '-ish') and became 'devilishly' when the Old English adverbial suffix '-ly' (from 'lic'/'lice') was added in later Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially it meant 'of or like the devil' (i.e., possessing devil-like qualities), but over time it also developed an intensifying meaning 'extremely' used in phrases like 'devilishly difficult'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adverb 1

in a wicked, cruel, or fiendish manner; like a devil.

He grinned devilishly before revealing the surprise.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Adverb 2

to a very high degree; extremely (informal intensifier).

That puzzle was devilishly difficult.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/08/29 03:41