Demon vs. Devil: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A demon is a supernatural being typically associated with evil, often considered a minion or agent of evil, whereas a devil is a specific type of demon often regarded as the chief evil spirit, like Satan in Christianity.
Key Differences
A demon is a general term for a malevolent supernatural entity, often depicted in various cultures as a bringer of chaos or misfortune. In contrast, the term devil typically refers to a specific, high-ranking demon, particularly in Abrahamic religions, often personified as the ultimate embodiment of evil.
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In folklore and mythology, demons are often portrayed as malevolent spirits or entities with various powers and roles. Meanwhile, the devil is frequently depicted as the ruler or leader of demons, holding a significant position in the hierarchy of evil beings.
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Demons are sometimes seen as lesser spirits that can possess or influence humans, causing harm or mischief. On the other hand, the devil is often seen as a singular, more powerful entity, tempting or deceiving humans, and challenging divine authority.
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In literature and media, demons can have a range of portrayals, from monstrous creatures to mischievous spirits. Conversely, the devil is often portrayed with more specific characteristics, such as cunning intelligence, the ability to make deals or pacts, and a direct opposition to good and godly forces.
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In different cultures, the concept of a demon can vary widely, ranging from evil spirits to beings who are morally ambiguous or even benevolent in some contexts. However, the devil is more consistently portrayed as an embodiment of pure evil, often in direct opposition to a supreme deity or divine force.
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Comparison Chart
General Role
Malevolent supernatural entity, often a minion or agent of evil.
A specific type of demon, typically regarded as a chief evil spirit.
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Cultural Portrayal
Varies widely across cultures, can be evil or morally ambiguous.
Consistently depicted as the embodiment of evil, especially in Abrahamic religions.
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Power and Influence
Usually lesser spirits, capable of possession and mischief.
Often portrayed as a singular, powerful entity, leading or ruling demons.
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Literary Depiction
Range from monstrous creatures to mischievous spirits.
Characterized by intelligence, cunning, and opposition to divine forces.
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Theological Significance
Seen as a diverse group of evil beings.
Often personified as the ultimate adversary to a supreme deity.
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Demon and Devil Definitions
Demon
A force that drives or compels negative behavior.
He battled his personal demons of addiction for years.
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Devil
The chief evil spirit in Christianity, Satan.
The story depicted the devil as a tempter and deceiver.
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Demon
In mythology, a lesser deity or spirit of nature.
The forest was believed to be protected by numerous woodland demons.
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Devil
A person with a surprising skill or talent.
He's a devil at card games, almost unbeatable.
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Demon
A source or agent of evil, harm, or distress.
The tyrant was regarded as a demon in human form by his subjects.
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Devil
Often Devil In many religions, the major personified spirit of evil, ruler of Hell, and foe of God. Used with the.
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Demon
A malevolent supernatural being.
The ancient temple was said to be haunted by a vengeful demon.
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Demon
A persistently tormenting person, force, or passion
The demon of drug addiction.
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Demon
One who is extremely zealous, skillful, or diligent
Worked away like a demon.
A real demon at math.
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Devil
A device or machine, especially one having teeth or spikes and used for tearing.
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Devil
An outstanding example, especially of something difficult or bad
Has a devil of a temper.
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Devil
A severe reprimand or expression of anger
Gave me the devil for cutting class.
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Demon
A very wicked or malevolent person; also in weakened sense a mischievous person, especially a child.
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Demon
A source (especially personified) of great evil or wickedness; a destructive feeling or character flaw.
The demon of stupidity haunts me whenever I open my mouth.
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Demon
(Greek mythology) A tutelary deity or spirit intermediate between the major Olympian gods and mankind, especially a deified hero or the entity which supposedly guided Socrates, telling him what not to do.
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Devil
(theology) An evil creature, the objectification of a hostile and destructive force.
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Demon
A spirit not considered to be inherently evil; a (non-Christian) deity or supernatural being.
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Devil
(folklore) A fictional image of a man, usually red or orange in skin color; with a set of horns on his head, a pointed goatee and a long tail and carrying a pitchfork; that represents evil and portrayed to children in an effort to discourage bad behavior.
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Demon
A hypothetical entity with special abilities postulated for the sake of a thought experiment in philosophy or physics.
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Devil
The bad part of the conscience; the opposite to the angel.
The devil in me wants to let him suffer.
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Demon
Someone with great strength, passion or skill for a particular activity, pursuit etc.; an enthusiast.
He’s a demon at the card tables.
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Devil
A wicked or naughty person, or one who harbors reckless, spirited energy, especially in a mischievous way; usually said of a young child.
Those two kids are devils in a toy store.
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Demon
(card games) A type of patience or solitaire (card game) played in the UK and/or US.
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Devil
A thing that is awkward or difficult to understand or do.
That math problem was a devil.
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Demon
Any of various hesperiid butterflies of the genera Notocrypta and Udaspes.
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Devil
Hell.
What in the devil is that?
What the devil is that?
She is having a devil of a time fixing it.
You can go to the devil for all I care.
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Demon
A spirit, or immaterial being, holding a middle place between men and deities in pagan mythology.
The demon kind is of an intermediate nature between the divine and the human.
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Devil
A person, especially a man; used to express a particular opinion of him, usually in the phrases poor devil and lucky devil.
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Demon
One's genius; a tutelary spirit or internal voice; as, the demon of Socrates.
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Demon
Someone extremely diligent or skillful;
He worked like a demon to finish the job on time
She's a demon at math
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Devil
(cookery) A dish, as a bone with the meat, broiled and excessively peppered; a grill with Cayenne pepper.
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Demon
An expert or enthusiast in a particular field.
She was known in the office as a demon for efficiency.
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Devil
An endurance event where riders who fall behind are periodically eliminated.
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Devil
To work as a ‘devil’; to work for a lawyer or writer without fee or recognition.
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Devil
To grill with cayenne pepper; to season highly in cooking, as with pepper.
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Devil
To prepare a sidedish of shelled halved boiled eggs to whose extracted yolks are added condiments and spices, which mixture then is placed into the halved whites to be served.
She's going to devil four dozen eggs for the picnic.
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Devil
The Evil One; Satan, represented as the tempter and spiritual of mankind.
[Jesus] being forty days tempted of the devil.
That old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world.
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Devil
A very wicked person; hence, any great evil.
Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?
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Devil
An expletive of surprise, vexation, or emphasis, or, ironically, of negation.
The devil a puritan that he is, . . . but a timepleaser.
The things, we know, are neither rich nor rare,But wonder how the devil they got there.
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Devil
A dish, as a bone with the meat, broiled and excessively peppered; a grill with Cayenne pepper.
Men and women busy in baking, broiling, roasting oysters, and preparing devils on the gridiron.
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Devil
To grill with Cayenne pepper; to season highly in cooking, as with pepper.
A deviled leg of turkey.
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Devil
(Judeo-Christian and Islamic religions) chief spirit of evil and adversary of God; tempter of mankind; master of Hell
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Devil
A word used in exclamations of confusion;
What the devil
The deuce with it
The dickens you say
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Devil
A rowdy or mischievous person (usually a young man);
He chased the young hellions out of his yard
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Devil
Cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations;
Mosquitoes buzzing in my ear really bothers me
It irritates me that she never closes the door after she leaves
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Devil
A difficult, tricky, or problematic thing.
This puzzle is a real devil to solve.
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Devil
Used for emphasis or to express frustration.
What the devil is going on here?
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Do demons have individual names and identities?
In various mythologies and religious texts, demons often have individual names and distinct identities.
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Is the devil always considered the ruler of demons?
In many religious and mythological traditions, the devil is indeed considered the ruler or leader of demons.
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Are all demons evil?
While typically portrayed as evil, some cultures depict demons with more nuanced or ambivalent traits.
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Can demons take physical form?
Mythologies often describe demons as having the ability to take physical or visible forms, though they are typically considered spiritual beings.
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Is the devil a fallen angel?
In Christian theology, the devil, specifically Satan, is often depicted as a fallen angel who rebelled against God.
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Is the devil unique to Christian belief?
While the concept of a chief evil spirit is common in many cultures, the specific character of the devil is most prominent in Christian belief.
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Are demons part of all religious beliefs?
Concepts similar to demons appear in many, but not all, religious and mythological systems around the world.
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Is the devil always malevolent?
In most traditions where he appears, the devil is portrayed as a wholly malevolent figure.
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Are there female demons?
Yes, many cultures and mythologies include female demons or demonesses.
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What are common symbols associated with the devil?
Common symbols of the devil include horns, a pitchfork, and a tail, often used to convey his evil nature.
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What is the role of the devil in literature?
In literature, the devil often serves as a symbol of temptation, evil, or a challenger to moral and divine order.
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What is 'selling your soul to the devil'?
It's a metaphorical phrase implying a pact with evil forces, often in exchange for worldly gains, at the cost of one's moral integrity.
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Are demons always depicted as scary or monstrous?
While often depicted as frightening, some cultures portray demons as more trickster-like or even benign.
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What is the origin of the devil in Christianity?
In Christianity, the devil's origin is tied to the fall of Satan, a rebellious angel cast out of heaven.
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Can demons be benevolent in some cultures?
In certain cultures, some demons are viewed as protective spirits or as beings with morally ambiguous qualities.
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Do demons play a role in modern culture?
Yes, demons frequently appear in modern media, literature, and popular culture, often symbolizing inner struggles or evil influences.
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Do demons always have supernatural powers?
Demons are typically depicted as having supernatural powers, though the extent and nature of these powers can vary.
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Can people summon demons?
In folklore and occult traditions, there are tales of individuals attempting to summon demons, often with dire consequences.
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What is the historical context of the devil?
The devil has evolved over time, with roots in ancient religious beliefs and gaining specific characteristics in medieval and modern Christian theology.
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What is 'demonology'?
Demonology is the study of demons, their hierarchy, and their various roles and aspects in different cultural and religious contexts.
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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