devilishly
Definition
Adverb: 1. Extremely, to a very high degree: Used as an intensive to emphasize an adjective or another adverb, often implying something is remarkably or surprisingly so. 2. In a devilish, mischievous, or evil manner: In a way characteristic of or resembling a devil; wickedly or playfully malicious.
Usage and Examples
As an intensifier (meaning "extremely"):
- The puzzle was devilishly difficult to solve.
- He is devilishly handsome.
- The plan was devilishly clever.
In a devilish manner:
- She smiled devilishly before revealing her prank.
- The villain laughed devilishly as his scheme unfolded.
Advanced Usage and Nuance
- The word often carries a connotation of something being not just extreme but also cunning, tricky, or appealing in a slightly dangerous or irresistible way.
- When used as an intensifier, it is more colorful and emphatic than synonyms like "very" or "extremely."
Variants and Related Words
- Devilish (adjective): Of, like, or characteristic of a devil; wicked or mischievous.
- He had a devilish grin.
- Diabolically (adverb): In a devilish or fiendish manner; often used similarly as an intensifier meaning "extremely."
- The maze was diabolically complex.
Synonyms
- Extremely: Very, exceedingly, intensely.
- Deucedly: (Archaic/informal) Extremely.
- Wickedly: In an evil or morally wrong manner.
- Mischievously: In a playful, teasing, or mildly malicious way.
Idioms and Fixed Phrases
- Devilishly clever/cunning/hard: A common collocation emphasizing a remarkable, almost unfair, level of intelligence, trickiness, or difficulty.
- The escape artist devised a devilishly clever plan.
Adverb
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(used as intensives) extremely
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she was madly in love
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deadly dull
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deadly earnest
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deucedly clever
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insanely jealous
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in a playfully devilish manner
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the socialists are further handicapped if they believe that capitalists are not only wicked but also devilishly clever
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as a devil; in an evil manner
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his writing could be diabolically satiric
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