Is there another way or expression to say:
He is the devil's advocate
I don't quite like this expression, and I don't know if it is a good idea to use it in a religious context.
asked Aug 30, 2011 at 12:55
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5One plays devil's advocate. You could say that someone who is saying something for the sake of argument is just playing devil's advocate.– JeremyAug 30, 2011 at 15:02
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Are Satanists offended by this phrase? I've honestly been curious of this.– thomj1332Jul 15, 2017 at 21:25
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5 Answers
You could say you are doing something for the sake of argument.
But, really, "devil's advocate" is a familiar phrase that few people take exception to. In fact, it's even used by religious people. For example,
During the canonization process of the Roman Catholic Church, the Promoter of the Faith (Latin: promotor fidei), popularly known as the Devil's advocate (Latin: advocatus diaboli), was a canon lawyer appointed by Church authorities to argue against the canonization of the candidate.
If those religious worthies may use the term, I don't see anything preventing you from doing likewise.
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6In case this isn't clear, the term "Devil's Advocate" is religious in origin. It was eventually adopted for secular purposes, but it was created for a religious function - namely, the vetting process for sainthood. In fact, it is this religious dimension that gives the term such a rich etymology and meaning - the Advocate is performing due diligence in the service of ultimate good. Aug 30, 2011 at 14:13
I prefer @Robusto's response, but if you're still uncomfortable with the term, consider "opposition", "opposer", or "contrarian".
answered Aug 30, 2011 at 15:02
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"Contrarian" is too loaded with negative connotations for this purpose, to my mind. (Though that could just be me) Aug 31, 2011 at 10:45
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@AndyBursh: I agree that "contrarian" tends to be used in an unflattering way almost all the time--"devil's advocate" can be similarly unflattering. However, it's the only noun form I could think of with the same meaning as the preposition and adverb "contra", which simply means "against" or "opposed to." Aug 31, 2011 at 11:23
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I like "contrarian". I only really know the term from finance, so I'm not familiar with the mentioned negative connotations, but the definition provided at the linked site will fit the requirement quite well in many, though not all, "devil's advocate" cases.– FletchJul 2, 2014 at 10:33
I would use words like "dissenter," or even "critic." These are functions performed by the "devil's advocate."
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10I think "dissenter" and "critic" usually mean that they argue against something because they disagree. In my experience the "devil's advocate" usually argues against something although he agrees, i.e. he argues it to ensure that it can be defended or to check for weaknesses. Aug 30, 2011 at 13:14
To illustrate that you are playing Devil's Advocate, you can also use "for argument's sake" when beginning a contrary view. I am just supplying another way to phrase it if someone is uncomfortable with using the former expression.
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2Hi Anne; please note the accepted answer to this question (the first one, right below the question itself) offers "For argument's sake" as an alternative. In other words, this is a good, but duplicate, answer.– Dan BronSep 18, 2014 at 16:16
I would like to propose 2 things to consider: 1. I agree with Joachim Sauer. I always thought that when someone is the "devil's advocate" not necessarily means that he is 100% opposed to whatever is presented to him. 2. As to use it in a religious context, I think it will extremely awkward for a religious leader to use it or to become such. It is best to use an alternative expression: "I will be the final critic" "They have to convince me" Their argument must be very strong" etc. JF
