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English Phrase of the Day

devil's advocate



Definitions

English > English
devil's advocate
     1. n. One who debates from a viewpoint which he or she may not actually hold, usually to determine its validity or simply for the sake of argument.
     2. n. (Roman Catholic Church) A canon lawyer appointed by the Church to argue against the canonization of the proposed candidate.
Analysis
devil
     1. n. (theology) A creature of hell.
     2. n. (theology) (the devil or the Devil) The chief devil; Satan.
     3. n. The bad part of the conscience; the opposite to the angel.
           The devil in me wants to let him suffer.
     4. n. A wicked or naughty person, or one who harbors reckless, spirited energy, especially in a mischievous way; usually said of a young child.
advocate
     1. n. Someone whose job is to speak for someone's case in a court of law; a counsel.
     2. n. Anyone who argues the case of another; an intercessor.
     3. n. A person who speaks in support of something.
     4. n. A person who supports others to make their voices heard, or ideally for them to speak up for themselves.
           Since she started working with her advocate, she has become much more confident.

Example Sentences

There is always a role for the devil's advocate and I'm not so sure that he doesn't have some right on his side. 



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