The word "devilish" is a tricky one to spell, but with the help of IPA phonetic transcription, it becomes easier. It is spelled as /ˈdɛvəlɪʃ/ in IPA notation. The first syllable is pronounced as "dev", with a short "e" sound followed by a "v" and a short "i". The second syllable is pronounced "il" with a short "i" sound and an "l", and the final syllable is pronounced with a "sh" sound. Overall, the correct spelling of "devilish" can be achieved through careful pronunciation and attention to the phonetic details.
The term "devilish" refers to something that is wicked, mischievous, or diabolical in nature. It can be used to describe a person's behavior, an action, or even a situation that is characterized by a cunning or malevolent quality. This adjective typically emphasizes a sense of evil or villainy, often associated with the devil or demons.
When applied to an individual, the term "devilish" denotes a person who acts with deliberate malice, often enjoying causing harm or trouble to others. Such a person may exhibit a sly and cunning manner, using deceit or manipulation to achieve their nefarious goals. Additionally, the descriptor can imply a sense of mischief or playfulness, as if the person is deriving pleasure from their wicked actions.
Furthermore, "devilish" can be employed to describe actions or behaviors that are perceived as wicked or naughty. It suggests a quality of being mischievous, often bordering on the edge of being wickedly clever or cunning. This could involve pranks, tricks, or activities that intentionally cause disruption and turmoil.
In summary, "devilish" refers to anything that exhibits wickedness, mischief, or malevolence. It encompasses actions, behaviors, and situations that are associated with the devil's notorious qualities. Whether it denotes a person's cunning and malevolent behavior or an action full of mischievous intent, "devilish" implies an element of wickedness and transgression.
Of or like the devil; wicked.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "devilish" has its roots in the Old English word "deofolisc", which comes from "deofol" meaning "devil" and the suffix "-isc" indicating "belonging to" or "resembling". In Middle English, the term evolved into "develish", maintaining the same meaning. Over time, the spelling shifted to "devilish" in Modern English, while retaining its original sense of something related to or characteristic of the devil.