What does “Devil's advocate” mean?
"Devil's advocate" means someone who takes a position or argues against something, even if they don't personally believe it, in order to provoke discussion or challenge the prevailing opinion.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I'll play devil's advocate and argue the other side of the debate.
Example
He enjoys being the devil's advocate in team meetings to encourage critical thinking.
Example
She took on the role of devil's advocate to stimulate a lively discussion among her classmates
Is “Devil's advocate” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Devil's advocate” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Devil's advocate” effectively in context?
You can use "Devil's Advocate" when you want to challenge or provoke discussion by taking a position or arguing against something, even if you don't personally believe it. It stimulates critical thinking and helps explore different perspectives. For example, during a debate about climate change, you might say, 'I'll play the Devil's Advocate and argue that human activity has no impact on the environment.'
- 1Debates
During the debate, he played the Devil's Advocate and argued against his own beliefs.
- 2Discussions
She enjoys playing the Devil's Advocate in discussions to stimulate critical thinking.
- 3Classroom
The professor assigned a student to be the Devil's Advocate in the class debate.
Similar phrases to “Devil's advocate”:
To question or challenge the existing or accepted beliefs, practices, or opinions
Example
He always challenges the status quo and encourages others to think critically.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Devil's advocate” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Devil's Advocate" can be traced back to the Catholic Church. In the process of canonization, a person would be appointed as the 'Promoter of the Faith' or 'Devil's Advocate' to present arguments against the candidate's sainthood. The purpose was to ensure that all aspects of the candidate's life and actions were thoroughly examined before declaring them a saint.
Is “Devil's advocate” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Devil's Advocate" is a commonly used expression in everyday conversation, especially in academic and professional settings. It is often used to encourage critical thinking and explore different perspectives.
What tone does “Devil's advocate” have?
"Devil's Advocate" conveys a tone of challenging and thought-provoking discussion. It is used to stimulate critical thinking and encourage the exploration of different viewpoints.
Can “Devil's advocate” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Devil's Advocate" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is commonly used in academic and professional contexts to encourage critical thinking and explore different perspectives. However, it can also be used in casual conversations among friends or family members.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He played the Devil's Advocate and argued against his own beliefs.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Let me play the Devil's Advocate here.' to indicate a desire to challenge the prevailing opinion.
