diabolus
[diˈa.bɔ.ɫʊs]
The English phrase "diablo" is translated into Latin as diabolus.
diabolus is a term used to refer to the devil or a demonic entity. It is derived from the Greek word diabolos, meaning slanderer or accuser.
Did you know?
- In medieval Latin music theory, the interval known as the 'tritone' was called diabolus in musica. It was considered so dissonant and unstable that it was sometimes forbidden in church compositions.
- In early Christian Latin texts, diabolus functioned more as a job title meaning 'the accuser' than as a proper name, reflecting the legalistic view of the afterlife as a courtroom trial.
- In Latin, diabolus could be used as a common noun, allowing for the plural diaboli to describe a whole army of demons.
Examples in context
- Daemon malus mortem ad animam adducitThe evil spirit brings death to the soul.
- Diabolus est malus.The devil is evil.
Example conversation
Gaius and Julia are discussing a mysterious omen.
- GaiusVideri videtur diabolus in silva.The devil seems to be in the forest.
- JuliaCur ita dicis, Gaie?Why do you say that, Gaius?
- GaiusDiabolus signs terribiles fecit.The devil made terrible signs.
- JuliaTunc fugiamus celeriter!Then let us flee quickly!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry diabolus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
