What does diabolically mean?
Diabolically is an adverb describing action done in a manner worthy of the devil — with extreme wickedness, cruelty, or fiendish cunning. A villain might laugh diabolically, or a scheme might be diabolically ingenious, suggesting a level of malevolent intelligence that goes beyond mere dishonesty. Beyond this literal sense, the word has developed a widespread informal use as an intensifier, meaning 'extremely': an exam can be diabolically difficult, weather can be diabolically cold, and traffic can be diabolically bad. This intensified usage, particularly common in British English, retains a hint of the word's sinister origins, lending drama and colour to ordinary complaints. Derived from the Greek diabolos ('slanderer'), the root of 'devil' itself, diabolically is a vivid alternative to blander adverbs like 'extremely' or 'utterly'. Its connotations are almost always negative or at least mischievous, making it a powerful choice when a writer wants to convey severity, cunning, or theatrical menace.
In a manner resembling the devil; with great wickedness or cruelty.
"He grinned diabolically before springing the trap."
This literal sense typically describes villains, schemes, or acts of cruelty, often with a theatrical flavour.
Informal intensifier meaning extremely or exceedingly, usually applied to something unpleasant, difficult, or impressively cunning.
"The puzzle was diabolically tricky."
Particularly common in British English; nearly always paired with adjectives denoting hardship, severity, or ingenuity.
The word 'diabolically' traces straight back to the Greek 'diabolos', meaning 'slanderer' — literally 'one who throws something across', the same root that gives us the word 'devil'.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of diabolically
Diabolically derives from the adjective diabolical, which entered English in the 16th century from Late Latin diabolicus, itself borrowed from Greek diabolikos. The Greek root diabolos means 'slanderer' or 'accuser', from diaballein, 'to throw across' or 'to set at variance' — and it became the standard Greek term for the devil. The adverb diabolically formed by adding the adverbial suffix '-ly' to diabolical, following the pattern of other such derivatives. Its cognates include French diabolique and Spanish diabólico, all descending from the same Greek source.
Related word forms
How diabolically is actually used
Diabolically is common in both formal and informal registers. In its literal sense it describes devil-like cruelty or wickedness; in its intensified sense (especially frequent in British English) it attaches to adjectives like difficult, clever, or cold to convey extreme degree, usually with a slightly dramatic or negative flavour. It carries a stronger, more theatrical tone than plain intensifiers like 'very' or 'extremely'.
Easily confused with diabolically
Symbolically means in a way that serves as or involves a symbol, whereas diabolically means devilishly or extremely — the words share a similar rhythm but nothing else.