devil's advocate

[ dev-uhlz ad-vuh-kit ]

noun

1. a person who advocates an opposing or unpopular cause for the sake of argument or to expose it to a thorough examination.
2. Also called Pro·mot·er of the Faith [pr, uh, -, moh, -ter , uh, v , th, uh, , feyth]. Roman Catholic Church. an official appointed to present arguments against a proposed beatification or canonization of a beatus.

devil's advocate

noun

1. a person who advocates an opposing or unpopular view, often for the sake of argument
2. RC Church the official appointed to put the case against the beatification or canonization of a candidate Technical namepromotor fideiprəʊˈməʊtɔː fɪˈdeɪiː

Word History and Origins

Origin of devil's advocate¹

First recorded in 1750–60; translation of New Latin advocātus diabolī; advocate ( def ), diabolic ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of devil's advocate¹

translation of New Latin advocātus diabolī

Idioms and Phrases

One who argues against a cause or position either for the sake of argument or to help determine its validity. For example, My role in the campaign is to play devil's advocate to each new policy before it's introduced to the public . This term comes from the Roman Catholic Church, where advocatus diaboli (Latin for “devil's advocate”) signifies an official who is appointed to present arguments against a proposed canonization or beatification. It was transferred to wider use in the mid-1700s.

Example Sentences

But I'll indulge in a moment of playing devil's advocate.

From Salon

But just to play devil’s advocate: I could see a world where the academy awards Swift for “Anti-Hero,” largely because I’m not so confident “Midnights” will get shine — but it seems to me that Monét will win.

From Seattle Times

Lilith Starr, a devil’s advocate in every sense, is in a rush to get her After School Satan Club started.

From Los Angeles Times

On “Devil’s Advocate” from the recently released album “sneek,” Gallant’s lilting croon ushers in Martin’s smooth sax while a sound like a banshee’s lullaby flurries in the upper register — in a good way.

From Los Angeles Times

“I don’t want to play devil’s advocate for David Brooks, but I do think we might have missed the forest for the trees here.”

From Slate