devil's advocate

[dev-uhlz ad-vuh-kit]

noun

1. a person who advocates an opposing or unpopular cause for the sake of argument or to expose it to a thorough examination.

2. Also called Promoter of the Faith. Roman Catholic Church.,  an official appointed to present arguments against a proposed beatification or canonization of a beatus.

devil's advocate

noun

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

2. Technical name: promotor fidei. RC Church the official appointed to put the case against the beatification or canonization of a candidate

Word History and Origins

Origin of devil's advocate¹

First recorded in 1750–60; translation of New Latin advocātus diabolī; advocate ( def. ), diabolic ( def. )

Word History and Origins

Origin of devil's advocate¹

translation of New Latin advocātus diabolī

Idioms and Phrases

One who argues against a cause or position either for the sake of argument or to help determine its validity. For example, My role in the campaign is to play devil's advocate to each new policy before it's introduced to the public. This term comes from the Roman Catholic Church, where advocatus diaboli (Latin for “devil's advocate”) signifies an official who is appointed to present arguments against a proposed canonization or beatification. It was transferred to wider use in the mid-1700s.