Phrases & IdiomsIdiom guide

Devil’s Advocate

“Devil’s advocate” refers to a person who deliberately argues a contrary or unpopular position, often to test an idea or encourage fuller discussion.

Quick answer

“Devil’s advocate” means someone who argues the opposite side, often to test reasoning or stimulate discussion.

Key details

Canonical Formdevil's advocate
Core Meaningsomeone who argues a contrary or unpopular position in order to test an idea or encourage discussion

Further guidance

History Boundary

The page publishes the current dictionary-supported meaning without claiming an exact inventor, coinage date, or absolute first use.

Meaning

someone who argues a contrary or unpopular position in order to test an idea or encourage discussion

Usage Boundary

The phrase describes an argumentative role; it does not by itself mean that the speaker personally believes the position being argued.

Sources and evidence

Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.

  1. devil's advocate — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Current idiom meaning of arguing an opposing or unpopular position to encourage discussion

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