What Does It Mean to Play the *Devil’s Advocate*?

The phrase “devil’s advocate” (pronounced /ˈdev.əlz ˈæd.və.kət/) is an idiomatic expression commonly used in English, particularly in professional and academic settings. It refers to someone who argues a viewpoint they do not necessarily believe, simply to test the strength of the opposing arguments or to stimulate discussion.

Synonyms:

1. Contrarian (/ˌkɒntrəˈrɛriən/) – A person who opposes or rejects popular opinion.
2. Skeptic (/ˈskɛp.tɪk/) – A person inclined to question or doubt accepted opinions.
3. Antagonist (/ænˈtæɡənɪst/) – A person who actively opposes or is hostile to someone or something.
4. Challenger (/ˈtʃælɪndʒər/) – A person who engages in a contest or conflict.
5. Questioner (/ˈkwɛs.tʃə.nər/) – A person who asks questions, especially in an official capacity.

Antonyms:

1. Proponent (/prəˈpəʊnənt/) – A person who advocates a theory, proposal, or project.
2. Supporter (/səˈpɔːr.tər/) – A person who approves of and encourages someone or something.
3. Advocate (/ˈæd.və.kət/) – A person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy.
4. Believer (/bɪˈliː.vər/) – A person who has faith in a particular faith or philosophy.
5. Ally (/ˈæl.aɪ/) – A person, group, or nation that is associated with another or others for some common cause or purpose.

Example Sentence:

• During the debate, he played the devil’s advocate to ensure that every aspect of the proposal was thoroughly examined.

Understanding Devil’s Advocate in Depth

Meanings and Pronunciation

The term “devil’s advocate” originates from the Roman Catholic Church, where an official known as the Advocatus Diaboli was tasked with arguing against the canonization of a candidate by highlighting the negative aspects of their life. Today, the term has a broader application and is used in discussions to describe someone who deliberately takes a contrary position to provoke critical thinking and examine the issue more deeply.

Pronunciation:

• Devil’s Advocate: /ˈdev.əlz ˈæd.və.kət/

devils advocate discussion

Devil’s Advocate in IELTS

This idiom can be extremely useful in the IELTS Speaking and Writing sections. For example, in the Speaking test, when discussing topics that require a balanced view, adopting a devil’s advocate stance showcases your ability to handle complex arguments and evaluate different perspectives.

Usage in Sample IELTS Speaking Responses

Question: Do you think social media has a positive or negative impact on society?

Response:

• Although there are numerous benefits to social media, let me play the devil’s advocate for a moment. Consider the significant adverse effects, such as privacy concerns and mental health issues. These problems can sometimes outweigh the positives.

Question: What’s your opinion on climate change mitigation strategies?

Response:

• While renewable energy sources are increasingly popular, being the devil’s advocate, one might argue that the transition from fossil fuels could disrupt economies heavily reliant on oil and gas. Hence, a balanced approach is essential.

Combining Devil’s Advocate With Other Phrases

1. To the contrary:

   • Example: “The proposal seems beneficial, but playing the devil’s advocate, one could argue to the contrary that it might lead to increased costs.”

2. In opposition to:

   • Example: “He played the devil’s advocate by presenting arguments in opposition to the new policy.”

3. Contradict:

   • Example: “In my role as the devil’s advocate, I aim not to contradict the team but to ensure we’ve considered all angles.”

Related Idiomatic Expressions

1. Playing both sides against the middle: Engaging with opposing parties to gain an advantage.

   • Example: “As a manager, he would often play both sides against the middle to reach a compromise.”

2. Pushing the envelope: Testing the limits of what is accepted.

   • Example: “In his role as the devil’s advocate, he kept pushing the envelope in the discussions.”

3. Sitting on the fence: Remaining neutral in a dispute.

   • Example: “Instead of taking a side, she opted to sit on the fence and play the devil’s advocate.”

4. Rocking the boat: Causing trouble where it is least wanted.

   • Example: “By raising controversial points, he often ended up rocking the boat while playing the devil’s advocate.”

5. Call into question: To question or doubt something.

   • Example: “Playing the devil’s advocate, she called into question the validity of the research findings.”

Conclusion

Understanding and effectively using the phrase “devil’s advocate” can significantly enhance your capacity to present balanced arguments and critically assess different viewpoints, particularly in the IELTS exam. This idiom, along with its related phrases and expressions, is instrumental in showcasing advanced linguistic skills.

By familiarizing yourself with these examples and practicing their usage, you can confidently incorporate them into your IELTS speaking and writing tasks, thereby demonstrating your proficiency to the examiners.