How to Pronounce "devil's advocate"
expression
ˈdɛvəɫz/ /ˈædvəˌkeɪt/, /ˈædvəkət
DEV-uhlz AD-vuh-kayt, AD-vuh-kuht
ˈdɛvəlz/ /ˈæd.və.keɪt
DEV-uhlz AD-vuh-kayt
Definition
A person who argues against something for the sake of debate, even if they do not actually disagree, in order to test an idea or find weaknesses.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈdɛvəɫz/ /ˈædvəˌkeɪt/, /ˈædvəkət
British English
ˈdɛvəlz/ /ˈæd.və.keɪt
Simplified Pronunciation
US
DEV-uhlz AD-vuh-kayt, AD-vuh-kuht
UK
DEV-uhlz AD-vuh-kayt
Listen in Context
Sometimes it's important to play devil's advocate in meetings.
He acted as a devil's advocate to help us see the other side.
She likes being a devil's advocate during class discussions.
Let me play devil's advocate for a minute: what if this plan fails?