Diabolical vs. Evil — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on May 3, 2024
Diabolical refers to actions extremely evil or cruel, often associated with the devil, while evil broadly describes morally reprehensible behaviors.
Difference Between Diabolical and Evil
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Diabolical actions are typically characterized by exceptional cruelty or wickedness, suggesting a depth of malevolence that is horrifying or shocking. On the other hand, evil can describe a wide range of negative moral behaviors from minor wrongdoing to acts causing significant harm.
While diabolical often implies a deliberate, calculating intent to cause harm, evoking images of devilish or demonic influences, evil encompasses any act, intention, or characteristic considered profoundly immoral or malevolent by societal standards.
Diabolical is frequently used to describe scenarios or actions that are seen as shockingly wicked, beyond ordinary definitions of evil. In contrast, evil is a more general term that can apply to less extreme behaviors as well as the gravest of sins.
When it comes to literary and cultural representations, diabolical characters or plots are portrayed with a sense of grandeur or elaborate malevolence, whereas evil characters or themes might be depicted with a broader range of moral and ethical implications.
Diabolical, originating from the Latin 'diabolicus' meaning 'of the devil', specifically connotes supernatural wickedness. Evil, derived from Old English 'yfel', carries a broader and more universally understood concept of moral badness or wrong.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Extremely wicked or cruel
Profoundly immoral or malevolent
Connotation
Often associated with the devil or demonic
Broadly negative without specific ties
Intensity
Implies extreme, shocking wickedness
Ranges from minor to extreme
Usage in Literature
Used for shockingly elaborate evil schemes
Used more broadly for negative traits
Etymological Origin
Latin 'diabolicus' (of the devil)
Old English 'yfel' (moral badness)
Compare with Definitions
Diabolical
Demonically influenced or inspired.
The ancient texts described diabolical spirits causing mayhem.
Evil
Characterized by anger or spite.
She gave him an evil glare that made him step back.
Diabolical
Shockingly wicked or cruel.
His diabolical plan involved betraying all his allies.
Evil
Morally reprehensible or sinful.
He was known for his evil deeds throughout the kingdom.
Diabolical
Ingeniously evil or fiendishly clever.
She devised a diabolical scheme to overthrow her competitors.
Evil
Profoundly immoral and malevolent.
His evil intentions were hidden behind a charming smile.
Diabolical
Pertaining to the devil or his deeds.
The plot of the movie featured a diabolical villain who enjoyed creating chaos.
Evil
Harmful or injurious.
The storm brought evil winds that destroyed homes.
Diabolical
Extremely evil with malicious intent.
The dictator's diabolical regime was feared by all.
Evil
Causing harm or misfortune.
An evil curse had befallen the village.
Diabolical
Of, concerning, or characteristic of the devil; satanic.
Evil
Evil, in a general sense, is defined by what it is not—the opposite or absence of good. It can be an extremely broad concept, although in everyday usage it is often more narrowly used to talk about profound wickedness.
Diabolical
Appropriate to a devil, especially in degree of wickedness or cruelty.
Evil
Morally bad or wrong; wicked
An evil tyrant.
Diabolical
Extremely wicked or cruel.
A diabolical plan
Evil
Causing ruin, injury, or pain; harmful
The evil effects of a poor diet.
Diabolical
Of or concerning the devil; satanic.
Evil
Characterized by or indicating future misfortune; ominous
Evil omens.
Diabolical
Showing the cunning or ingenuity or wickedness typical of a devil;
Devilish schemes
The cold calculation and diabolic art of some statesmen
The diabolical expression on his face
A mephistophelian glint in his eye
Evil
Bad or blameworthy by report; infamous
An evil reputation.
Diabolical
Extremely evil or cruel; expressive of cruelty or befitting hell;
Something demonic in him--something that could be cruel
Fires lit up a diabolic scene
Diabolical sorcerers under the influence of devils
A fiendish despot
Hellish torture
Infernal instruments of war
Satanic cruelty
Unholy grimaces
Evil
Characterized by anger or spite; malicious
An evil temper.
Evil
The quality of being morally bad or wrong; wickedness.
Evil
That which causes harm, misfortune, or destruction
A leader's power to do both good and evil.
Evil
An evil force, power, or personification.
Evil
Something that is a cause or source of suffering, injury, or destruction
The social evils of poverty and injustice.
Evil
In an evil manner.
Evil
Intending to harm; malevolent.
An evil plot to brainwash and even kill innocent people
Evil
Morally corrupt.
If something is evil, it is never mandatory.
Do you think that companies that engage in animal testing are evil?
Evil
Unpleasant, foul (of odour, taste, mood, weather, etc.).
Evil
Producing or threatening sorrow, distress, injury, or calamity; unpropitious; calamitous.
Evil
(obsolete) Having harmful qualities; not good; worthless or deleterious.
An evil beast; an evil plant; an evil crop
Evil
Undesirable; harmful; bad practice.
Global variables are evil; storing processing context in object member variables allows those objects to be reused in a much more flexible way.
Evil
Moral badness; wickedness; malevolence; the forces or behaviors that are the opposite or enemy of good.
The evils of society include murder and theft.
Evil lacks spirituality, hence its need for mind control.
Evil
Something which impairs the happiness of a being or deprives a being of any good; something which causes suffering of any kind to sentient beings; harm; injury; mischief.
Evil
(obsolete) A malady or disease; especially in combination, as in king's evil, colt evil.
Evil
(obsolete) wickedly, evilly, iniquitously
Evil
(obsolete) injuriously, harmfully; in a damaging way.
Evil
(obsolete) badly, poorly; in an insufficient way.
It went evil with him.
Evil
Having qualities tending to injury and mischief; having a nature or properties which tend to badness; mischievous; not good; worthless or deleterious; poor; as, an evil beast; and evil plant; an evil crop.
A good tree can not bring forth evil fruit.
Evil
Having or exhibiting bad moral qualities; morally corrupt; wicked; wrong; vicious; as, evil conduct, thoughts, heart, words, and the like.
Ah, what a sign it is of evil life,When death's approach is seen so terrible.
Evil
Producing or threatening sorrow, distress, injury, or calamity; unpropitious; calamitous; as, evil tidings; evil arrows; evil days.
Because he hath brought up an evil name upon a virgin of Israel.
The owl shrieked at thy birth - an evil sign.
Evil news rides post, while good news baits.
It almost led him to believe in the evil eye.
Evil
Anything which impairs the happiness of a being or deprives a being of any good; anything which causes suffering of any kind to sentient beings; injury; mischief; harm; - opposed to good.
Evils which our own misdeeds have wrought.
The evil that men do lives after them.
Evil
Moral badness, or the deviation of a moral being from the principles of virtue imposed by conscience, or by the will of the Supreme Being, or by the principles of a lawful human authority; disposition to do wrong; moral offence; wickedness; depravity.
The heart of the sons of men is full of evil.
Evil
Malady or disease; especially in the phrase king's evil, the scrofula.
He [Edward the Confessor] was the first that touched for the evil.
Evil
In an evil manner; not well; ill; badly; unhappily; injuriously; unkindly.
It went evil with his house.
The Egyptians evil entreated us, and affected us.
Evil
Morally objectionable behavior
Evil
That which causes harm or destruction or misfortune;
The evil that men do lives after them; the good is oft interred with their bones
Evil
The quality of being morally wrong in principle or practice;
Attempts to explain the origin of evil in the world
Evil
Morally bad or wrong;
Evil purposes
An evil influence
Evil deeds
Evil
Having the nature of vice
Evil
Tending to cause great harm
Evil
Having or exerting a malignant influence;
Malevolent stars
A malefic force
Common Curiosities
Is diabolical a stronger term than evil?
Yes, diabolical often denotes a higher degree of wickedness and shock value compared to the broader term evil.
What is the primary difference between diabolical and evil?
Diabolical specifically refers to extreme wickedness often with a supernatural connotation, while evil is a broader term for moral wrongs.
Can an action be evil but not diabolical?
Yes, minor morally wrong actions may be considered evil but not reach the extreme intensity or shock value of diabolical.
How do the origins of the words diabolical and evil influence their usage?
Diabolical's association with the devil influences its use for extreme, demonic wickedness, while evil’s broader origin makes it applicable to a wide range of negative behaviors.
What are common uses of the term evil?
Evil is commonly used to describe acts, thoughts, or conditions that are morally wrong or harmful.
Can a person be both evil and diabolical?
Yes, a person can exhibit both general evil behavior and specific diabolical actions or intentions.
Are there cultural differences in how diabolical and evil are perceived?
Yes, perceptions can vary, with diabolical sometimes seen as more theatrically evil due to its demonic implications, while evil is universally recognized as morally bad.
How are diabolical and evil used in literature?
Diabolical is often used for characters or actions with elaborate, shocking evil, whereas evil can describe a wider range of negative moral qualities.
Is the perception of what is diabolical the same in all cultures?
No, cultural backgrounds can affect what actions or behaviors are considered diabolical, with some cultures emphasizing supernatural aspects more than others.
What are examples of diabolical behavior?
Actions that are shockingly wicked, such as elaborate schemes to cause widespread harm, are considered diabolical.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
