devilishly
|dev-il-ish-ly|
/ˈdɛvəlɪʃ/
(devilish)
like a devil; extremely
Etymology
'devilishly' originates from English, specifically from the adjective 'devilish' (formed from 'devil' + suffix '-ish') with the adverbial suffix '-ly'.
'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.
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
Last updated: 2025/08/29 03:41
