diabolique

diabolical, devilish

adjective dee-ah-boh-LEEK Rare

Origin: Latin diabolicus, from Greek diabolos (devil)

Also means

fiendishly clever

Usage Note

diabolique describes something evil or wickedly cunning, from a minor mischief to genuine menace. The adverb diaboliquement ('diabolically') amps up the sense further. In casual speech it can be used with admiration — a 'diabolically clever' plan — so context sets the tone.

Examples

"C'est un plan vraiment diabolique."

Natural Translation

That is a truly diabolical plan.

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