What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mephistophelean
Example
The mephistophelean grin on his face made me suspicious of his intentions. [mephistophelean: adjective]
Example
She had a mephistophelean way of twisting the truth to her advantage. [mephistophelean: adjective]
diabolical
Example
The diabolical villain plotted to destroy the city with his army of robots. [diabolical: adjective]
Example
The diabolical torture methods used by the dictator were beyond imagination. [diabolical: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Diabolical is more commonly used than mephistophelean in everyday language. Diabolical is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while mephistophelean is less common and more literary.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mephistophelean and diabolical?
Both mephistophelean and diabolical are formal words, but diabolical is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
