Advocatus Diaboli

C2 16+

Pronunciation: /ˈædvəˌkeɪtəs ˌdaɪəˈboʊlaɪ/

Definitions of advocatus diaboli

noun a person who is appointed to present arguments against a proposed canonization or beatification in the Roman Catholic Church

Example Sentences

A1 An advocatus diaboli is someone who argues against a proposed idea or belief.

A2 In some debates, it can be helpful to have an advocatus diaboli to present counterarguments.

B1 The advocatus diaboli brought up some valid points that made the team reconsider their decision.

B2 As the advocatus diaboli in the group, she always played devil's advocate to ensure all perspectives were considered.

C1 The advocatus diaboli's role in the discussion was crucial in challenging the group's assumptions and promoting critical thinking.

C2 His reputation as the advocatus diaboli in academic circles was well-known for his ability to question established theories and provoke thoughtful debate.

Examples of advocatus diaboli in a Sentence

formal The advocatus diaboli presented a compelling argument against the canonization of the proposed saint.

informal The advocatus diaboli really knows how to play devil's advocate in any debate.

slang I heard the advocatus diaboli is going to try and poke holes in our plan, so we better be prepared.

figurative Some people see him as the advocatus diaboli, always questioning authority and challenging the status quo.

Grammatical Forms of advocatus diaboli

plural

advocati diaboli

comparative

more advocatus diaboli

superlative

most advocatus diaboli

present tense

advocatus diaboli

future tense

will be advocatus diaboli

perfect tense

has been advocatus diaboli

continuous tense

is being advocatus diaboli

singular

advocatus diaboli

positive degree

advocatus diaboli

infinitive

to be advocatus diaboli

gerund

being advocatus diaboli

participle

advocatus diaboli

Origin and Evolution of advocatus diaboli

First Known Use: 1587 year
Language of Origin: Latin
Story behind the word: The term 'advocatus diaboli' originated in the Catholic Church during the process of canonization of saints.
Evolution of the word: Originally used to refer to the devil's advocate, a person appointed to challenge the evidence for canonization of a saint, the term has evolved to more generally mean a person who presents a counterargument or opposing viewpoint in a debate or discussion.