demon - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
demon Word Meanings
- an evil spirit or devil
- a corrupt or malevolent person
- a supernatural being causing harm
demon Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
demon Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈdiː.mən/
US
/ˈdiː.mən/
demon Word Etymology
demon = de- (down) + mon (to think) → Greek 'daimon' (spirit) → Late Latin 'daemon' → English. Imagine a dark figure at the foot of your bed, whispering thoughts of fear and doubt.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
First I press a switch, and a light hum fills the room as I watch shadows move along the wall. I feel a dark tug push at my chest, a slow change that grows when I let it sit there. I tighten my jaw, shift my stance, and pull the thought into the open, naming it not a friend but something that wants to pull me off balance. In that moment, the word demon becomes the weather of my own mood—the thing I control by choosing what I do next.
Real Context
Demon refers to an evil spirit or devil, a malevolent being often blamed for misfortune or temptation. It can describe a corrupt person who abuses power, or a supernatural force that harms people, crops, or communities in myths and fiction. In everyday English, calling someone a demon is common for a fierce, destructive or unscrupulous character, or for describing a particularly difficult situation as a 'demon' problem. Etymologically, demon comes from Greek daimon, via Late Latin daemon, evolving to English with a sense of a guiding spirit later taken as a malevolent one in Christian and folkloric traditions. Imagine a dark figure at the foot of your bed, whispering thoughts of fear and doubt.
Usage Reminders
- - Demon can refer to a literal evil spirit or a metaphor for a real person or problem.
- - Do not confuse demon with daemon in computing; they are different etymologies and meanings.
- - Use 'demonic' as the common adjective for strong evil quality.
- - Be careful describing real people; demon carries strong, potentially offensive connotations.
- - Common collocations include demon possession, demon hunter, and demon in folklore.
Common Misconceptions
- Demon only appears in religion; it cannot be used metaphorically.
- Demon and daemon are the same word and meaning in English.
- Demon always refers to a literal devil, never a bad person or situation.
- Demon is interchangeable with ghost or monster in everyday speech.
- Demon is not related to any computing term.
Thinking Differences
In English, demon is used both in religious contexts and as a strong metaphor; learners should note the tonal strength and common collocations like possession or demon hunter, and separate it from similarly pronounced terms like daemon in computing.
Learning Tips
- Learn the core senses: evil spirit, corrupt person, and challenging problem.
- Remember the distinction from daemon (computing) and from demonic (adjective).
- Practice with at least one literal and one metaphorical sentence daily.
- Note common collocations: demon possession, demon hunter, demonology.
- Be mindful of tone; demon is strong and can offend when used about real people.
- Explore myths and folklore to see varied uses across contexts.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'demon'?
A.A magical creature
B.A guardian angel
C.A friendly ghost
D.An evil spirit
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is the word 'demon' used correctly?
A.She saw a demon at the party.
B.My dog is my little demon.
C.He offered to help me, what a demon!
D.The demon sun was shining brightly.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'demon'?
A.Angel
B.Witch
C.Fairy
D.Monster
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'demon'?
A.Angel
B.Ghost
C.Monster
D.Spirit
Step 5: Mastery
In what context might you hear the word 'demon'?
A.In a science class
B.At a wedding ceremony
C.During a Halloween party
D.While gardening in the backyard
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