What does satanically mean?
Satanically is an adverb meaning “in the manner of Satan” and, more commonly, “with great wickedness, malevolence, or devilishness.” Its modern use is usually figurative: a speaker may call a performance “satanically funny” to emphasize its dark, outrageous humor, or describe a plan as “satanically clever” because it seems morally outrageous or calculating. The word carries a strong negative and theatrical tone, so it can be more expressive than a plain word such as “wickedly,” though that rhetorical flavor also makes it unsuitable for neutral description. It is sometimes used in religious contexts, but that literal sense is uncommon in ordinary English. Both British and American English use the standard form, usually pronounced with stress on the second syllable. Because it intensifies evil associations rather than merely describing ordinary badness, satanically is most effective when the context makes clear whether the speaker is horrified or amused.
adverbIn the manner of Satan; with great wickedness, malice, or devilishness.
- In the manner of Satan, or with great wickedness, malice, or devilishness.
"The stranger smiled satanically and turned the key."
"The stranger smiled satanically and turned the key."
"The satire was satanically funny, full of jokes at the expense of the ruling family."
Satanically turns ordinary mischief into a theatrical sign of almost supernatural villainy.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of satanically
English satanically was formed from satanical, a form related to satanic, plus the adverbial suffix -ly. The adjective satanic derives from Satan, whose English form comes through Greek Satanas and Latin Satan. That name ultimately comes from Hebrew śāṭān, meaning “accuser” or “adversary,” referring to the biblical figure opposed to God and his followers.
Related word forms
How satanically is actually used
Strongly figurative and often humorous or hyperbolic in modern usage. It is more expressive and theatrical than words such as wickedly or maliciously, and literal religious uses are uncommon.
Easily confused with satanically
Satanically is an adverb describing an action or manner, whereas satanic is an adjective describing a person, thing, or idea as devilish or evil.