Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| diabolus | [diˈa.bɔ.ɫʊs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [diˈaː.bo.lus] (narrow) |
masculine |
| larva | [ˈɫaːr.wa] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈlar.va] (narrow) |
feminine |
The term diabolus is used for an evil creature and carries the sense of an accuser or slanderer, deriving from Greek. If you are referring to the chief devil as a specific name, you should use the proper noun Satanās, which translates the Hebrew term for an adversary or opponent. Diabolus can function as a common noun for any evil creature, while Satanās is the specific name of the chief devil.
Which one should you use?
While diabolus refers to a personified evil or the devil, larva is a feminine noun used to mean a ghost, specter or a mask-like apparition. Use Diabolus or Satanās when referring specifically to the chief devil.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine noun diabolus changes form based on its role in a sentence: use diaboli for the genitive singular to mean 'of the devil', and use diabolo for the dative singular to mean 'to/for the devil'.
Did you know?
- In medieval music theory, the interval known as the tritone was called diabolus in musica or the 'devil in music' because it sounded unsettling and was often forbidden.
- In early Roman religion, the Lares were benevolent guardian deities of the household, while the larva represented the terrifying, malevolent side of the spirit world.
- While we use the word 'larva' for a monster in Latin, in modern English it refers to the immature form of an insect.
Examples in context
- Forsitan diabolus hic loquitur.Perhaps the devil is speaking here.This sentence uses diabolus to demonstrate a subject in a clause.Tatoeba #13566214 by carlosalberto, translation #13566210 by carlosalberto
- Diabolus est inventio cerebri humani.The devil is an invention of the human brain.This sentence uses diabolus to express a philosophical or psychological idea.Tatoeba #12007496 by shekitten, translation #12007007 by shekitten
- Potius diabolus cognitus quam incognitus angelus.Better the devil you know than the angel you don't.This sentence uses diabolus in a comparative proverb.Tatoeba #6310764 by RudeGuyGames, translation #5590256 by oyd11
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gaius and Julia are discussing a terrifying story in an ancient courtyard.
- GaiusNum diabolus in hoc loco habitat?Does the devil live in this place?
- JuliaNon, sed spiritus improbus est.No, but it is a wicked spirit.
- GaiusTimeo ne diabolus nos sequatur.I fear that the devil might follow us.
- JuliaNoli timere, Gai.Do not fear, Gaius.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “devil” translations and entries diabolus, larva, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
