devil's advocate

dev·il's advocate (dvlz)

n.

1. One who argues against a cause or position, not as a committed opponent but simply for the sake of argument or to determine the validity of the cause or position.

2. Roman Catholic Church An official appointed to present arguments against a proposed canonization or beatification.

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[Translation of Medieval Latin advoctus diabol, one arguing for the devil's plea against canonizing a saint : Latin advoctus, advocate + Late Latin diabol, genitive of diabolus, devil.]

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devil's advocate

n

1. a person who advocates an opposing or unpopular view, often for the sake of argument

2. (Christianity / Roman Catholic Church) RC Church the official appointed to put the case against the beatification or canonization of a candidate Technical name promotor fidei [prəʊˈməʊtɔː fɪˈdeɪiː]

[translation of New Latin advocātus diabolī]

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

devil's advocate - someone who takes the worse side just for the sake of argument arguer, debater - someone who engages in debate

Translations

devil's advocate [ˈdɛv/əlzˈædvəˌkɪt] n to play (the) devil's advocate → fare l'avvocato del diavolo

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devil's advocate [ˈdɛv/əlzˈædvəˌkɪt] n to play (the) devil's advocate → fare l'avvocato del diavolo