VocabDictionary

deil

/diหl/advanced Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

A dialectal or archaic term for the devil, or a mischievous, troublesome, or spirited person.

Example Sentences:
  • โ€œThe auld deil was up to his usual tricks again in the village square.โ€
  • โ€œThat wee deil has been running around the garden all morning causing chaos.โ€
2.interjection

Used to express annoyance, surprise, or emphasis, similar to 'damn' or 'the devil'.

Example Sentences:
  • โ€œDeil take it, I've forgotten my keys again!โ€
  • โ€œWhat the deil are you doing out in this weather?โ€
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for โ€œdeilโ€.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Scots and Northern English dialectal form of 'devil'. It shares the same Germanic roots as the Old English 'dฤ“ofol', ultimately stemming from the Greek 'diabolos' (slanderer). In Scottish literature and folklore, it is frequently used as a colloquial or emphatic term for the devil or a mischievous person.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a 'deil' as a 'devil' who lost his 'v'โ€”he's still a mischievous spirit, just missing a letter.

Frequently Asked Questions About โ€œdeilโ€

1. What is the meaning of โ€œdeilโ€ in English?

In English, deil (noun) is defined as: โ€œA dialectal or archaic term for the devil, or a mischievous, troublesome, or spirited person.โ€.

2. How do you use โ€œdeilโ€ in a sentence?

โ€œThe auld deil was up to his usual tricks again in the village square.โ€

3. What are English synonyms of โ€œdeilโ€?

Common synonyms include:devil,fiend,rascal,imp,scamp

4. What is the etymology and word origin of โ€œdeilโ€?

Derived from the Scots and Northern English dialectal form of 'devil'. It shares the same Germanic roots as the Old English 'dฤ“ofol', ultimately stemming from the Greek 'diabolos' (slanderer). In Scottish literature and folklore, it is frequently used as a colloquial or emphatic term for the devil or a mischievous person.