What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
devil
Example
The devil tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. [devil: noun]
Example
My little brother can be a little devil sometimes. [devil: noun]
Example
Cleaning the house from top to bottom was a real devil of a job. [devil: adjective]
fiend
Example
The fiendish creature terrorized the village. [fiend: adjective]
Example
He's a coffee fiend and can't start his day without a cup. [fiend: noun]
Example
The fiend who stole my wallet was caught on camera. [fiend: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Devil is much more common than fiend in everyday language and has a wider range of uses.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between devil and fiend?
Neither devil nor fiend are particularly formal words, but devil is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
