Cool MateDevil vs Imp
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Devil
Top 2,000 (common)C1noun
Imp
Beyond 10,000 (less common)
Most common: Devil
| Devil | Imp | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈdevl/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈdevl/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ɪmp//🇺🇸 //ɪmp// |
| Meaning | A very bad person or evil spirit. | A small, mischievous devil or demon. |
| Example | The villagers believed that the devil was responsible for the strange noises coming from the forest. | The little imp pulled a prank on the unsuspecting villagers. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | - |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | believe in, worship, be possessed by, worship, worshipper, the devil incarnate, believe in, worship, be possessed by, worship, worshipper, the devil incarnate | little imp, mischievous imp, impish behavior, cunning imp, fabled imp |
| Antonyms | angel, saint, good person | angel, saint |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'evil' as they are related but have different uses., Using it in a context where 'bad' or 'evil' is more appropriate., Overusing in non-literal senses, such as casual debate. | Confused with 'impish' which describes someone as mischievous., Used as a verb incorrectly, 'imp' is only a noun., Not used in modern formal contexts, making it sound outdated. |
| Usage notes | Used to describe a malevolent figure or someone who behaves wickedly. Often associated with religious or superstitious contexts. Avoid in formal settings unless discussing literature or folklore. | Use 'imp' in fantasy or playful contexts. It is informal and may not be suitable for serious discussions. |
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Frequently asked questions: Devil vs Imp
What's the difference between Devil and Imp?
Devil: A very bad person or evil spirit. Imp: A small, mischievous devil or demon.
Which is more common: Devil and Imp?
Devil is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Devil: The villagers believed that the devil was responsible for the strange noises coming from the forest. Imp: The little imp pulled a prank on the unsuspecting villagers.
Can I use Devil and Imp interchangeably?
Not always. Devil and Imp are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.