Skip to content
TrueNorthBriefQuick, clear answers for curious Canadians
Language

Devil'S Advocate

What is devil's advocate?

· Sarah Mitchell

Key facts

Definition A person who argues against an idea or plan that many people support[1]
Historical role Former office in the Roman Catholic Church[2]
Latin term advocatus diaboli[2]
Church function Promoted arguments against beatification or canonization[2]

A devil's advocate is someone who argues against a popular or accepted position, often for the sake of argument or to prompt deeper discussion. The term also refers to a historical Catholic official who examined evidence against beatification or canonization.

Context

The phrase 'devil's advocate' has two distinct meanings. In everyday language, it refers to someone who argues against a popular or accepted position, often for the sake of argument or to make people examine an idea more carefully [1]. In Catholic history, it was an official role that examined evidence against beatification or canonization [2]. The Latin term is *advocatus diaboli* [2]. The purpose is to expose a position to thorough examination and test the strength of an argument [2].

Documented claims

  • The purpose of playing devil's advocate is to make people discuss and consider an idea in more detail. [1]
  • The term can describe someone taking a position they may not actually hold. [2]

Questions and answers

What is the meaning of devil's advocate?

A devil's advocate is someone who argues against a popular or accepted position, often for the sake of argument or to prompt discussion [1].

What is an example of playing devil's advocate?

An example is taking an opposing or unpopular view in a debate to test the strength of the original argument, even if you don't actually hold that view [2].

Sources

  1. DEVIL'S ADVOCATE definition | Cambridge English Dictionary — dictionary.cambridge.org (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. DEVIL'S ADVOCATE Definition & Meaning - Dictionary.com — dictionary.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Language