Are you bedevilled or cursed? Do you know the difference between these two words? While they may seem interchangeable, there are subtle differences in their meanings.
Bedevilled and cursed are both words used to describe situations where someone or something is experiencing a negative or unfortunate circumstance. However, the word bedevilled implies a situation where someone is tormented or harassed by someone or something, while cursed implies a situation where someone or something has been inflicted with a spell or hex.
For example, a person who is bedevilled may feel like they are being haunted by their past mistakes or constantly plagued by bad luck. On the other hand, a person who is cursed may have been hexed by a witch or experienced a supernatural occurrence that has caused them to suffer.
In this article, we will explore the differences between bedevilled and cursed, and how to properly use these words in context.
Define Bedevilled
Bedevilled is an adjective used to describe someone or something that is plagued or tormented by persistent problems, difficulties, or misfortunes. It is often used to describe a situation where a person or group of people are experiencing a series of unfortunate events that seem to have no end in sight. The term ‘bedevilled’ is derived from the word ‘devil’, which is often associated with evil and misfortune.
Define Cursed
Cursed is an adjective used to describe someone or something that is under a spell or has been subjected to a supernatural force that brings about misfortune or harm. It is often used to describe a situation where a person or group of people are experiencing a series of unfortunate events that are believed to be caused by a curse. The term ‘cursed’ is derived from the word ‘curse’, which is often associated with magic and superstition.
Here is a table summarizing the differences between bedevilled and cursed:
| Bedevilled | Cursed |
|---|---|
| Plagued or tormented by persistent problems, difficulties, or misfortunes | Under a spell or has been subjected to a supernatural force that brings about misfortune or harm |
| Derived from the word ‘devil’ | Derived from the word ‘curse’ |
| Often used to describe a situation where a person or group of people are experiencing a series of unfortunate events that seem to have no end in sight | Often used to describe a situation where a person or group of people are experiencing a series of unfortunate events that are believed to be caused by a curse |
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Using the right words in a sentence is crucial to conveying the intended meaning. The words “bedevilled” and “cursed” are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct differences in meaning and usage. Here’s how to use them correctly:
How To Use “Bedevilled” In A Sentence
The word “bedevilled” is often used to describe a situation or person that is plagued by problems or difficulties. It can also refer to a person who is tormented or harassed by someone or something.
Here are some examples of how to use “bedevilled” in a sentence:
- After the company’s financial scandal, it was bedevilled by lawsuits and negative publicity.
- The small town was bedevilled by a series of mysterious disappearances.
- The team was bedevilled by injuries throughout the season.
Note that “bedevilled” is often used in the passive voice, indicating that the subject is being acted upon by outside forces.
How To Use “Cursed” In A Sentence
The word “cursed” is often used to describe a person or thing that has been subject to a curse or hex. It can also refer to a person or thing that is experiencing misfortune or bad luck.
Here are some examples of how to use “cursed” in a sentence:
- The ancient tomb was said to be cursed, and many who entered never returned.
- The family was cursed with a genetic disease that affected multiple generations.
- Ever since the accident, he felt cursed and unable to catch a break.
Note that “cursed” is often used in the active voice, indicating that the subject is the one doing the cursing or experiencing the curse.
By using “bedevilled” and “cursed” appropriately in your writing, you can convey a more precise meaning and avoid confusion.
More Examples Of Bedevilled & Cursed Used In Sentences
In order to better understand the differences between “bedevilled” and “cursed,” it is helpful to see them used in context. Below are examples of both words used in sentences.
Examples Of Using Bedevilled In A Sentence
- The company was bedevilled by financial troubles for years.
- He was bedevilled by guilt over his past mistakes.
- Her plans were bedevilled by unforeseen obstacles.
- The team was bedevilled by injuries throughout the season.
- The town was bedevilled by a series of unsolved crimes.
- The project was bedevilled by communication breakdowns between team members.
- The politician was bedevilled by scandals and controversies.
- The writer was bedevilled by writer’s block for months.
- The athlete was bedevilled by a nagging injury that wouldn’t heal.
- The family was bedevilled by a long-standing feud with their neighbors.
Examples Of Using Cursed In A Sentence
- The ancient tomb was said to be cursed by the gods.
- She cursed under her breath when she realized she had forgotten her keys.
- The farmer cursed the drought that had ruined his crops.
- He was cursed with a terrible memory and often forgot important details.
- The town was cursed with a string of bad luck that seemed never-ending.
- The old man cursed the young hooligans who had vandalized his property.
- The cursed object was said to bring misfortune to anyone who possessed it.
- The sailor cursed the storm that had nearly capsized his ship.
- The witch cursed the prince, turning him into a frog.
- The family believed they were cursed because of a long-ago ancestor who had angered the gods.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using words like “bedevilled” and “cursed,” it’s important to understand the subtle differences between them. Unfortunately, many people make the mistake of using these words interchangeably, which can lead to confusion and miscommunication. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Using “Bedevilled” And “Cursed” Interchangeably
One of the biggest mistakes people make is using “bedevilled” and “cursed” interchangeably. While these words may seem similar, they have distinct meanings that should not be confused. “Bedevilled” implies a sense of torment or harassment, while “cursed” implies a sense of divine punishment or condemnation. For example, if someone says they are “bedevilled” by their noisy neighbors, they mean they are being tormented or harassed by them. If someone says they are “cursed” by bad luck, they mean they are experiencing a sense of divine punishment or condemnation.
Assuming “Bedevilled” And “Cursed” Are Synonyms
Another common mistake is assuming that “bedevilled” and “cursed” are synonyms. While these words may be used in similar contexts, they have different connotations and should not be used interchangeably. “Bedevilled” implies a sense of evil or malevolence, while “cursed” implies a sense of divine punishment or condemnation. For example, if someone says they are “bedevilled” by their ex-partner, they mean they are being tormented or harassed by them in a malicious or malevolent way. If someone says they are “cursed” by their ex-partner, they mean they are experiencing a sense of divine punishment or condemnation as a result of their actions.
Using “Bedevilled” When “Cursed” Is More Appropriate
Finally, another common mistake is using “bedevilled” when “cursed” is more appropriate. While these words may seem interchangeable, they have different connotations and should be used in the appropriate context. “Bedevilled” implies a sense of torment or harassment, while “cursed” implies a sense of divine punishment or condemnation. For example, if someone says they are “bedevilled” by their bad luck, they mean they are being tormented or harassed by it. However, if someone says they are “cursed” by their bad luck, they mean they are experiencing a sense of divine punishment or condemnation as a result of their actions.
Tips To Avoid Mistakes
To avoid making these common mistakes, it’s important to understand the subtle differences between “bedevilled” and “cursed.” Here are some tips to help you use these words correctly:
- Take the time to understand the context in which these words are being used.
- Consider the connotations of each word before using them interchangeably.
- When in doubt, consult a dictionary or thesaurus to ensure you are using the correct word.
Context Matters
Choosing between the words ‘bedevilled’ and ‘cursed’ can depend on the context in which they are used. While both words have similar meanings, the choice between them can affect the overall tone and connotation of the sentence.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between ‘bedevilled’ and ‘cursed’ might change:
| Context | Word Choice | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Supernatural | Cursed | When referring to supernatural occurrences or entities, ‘cursed’ is the more commonly used term. For example, “The cursed doll was said to bring misfortune to anyone who possessed it.” |
| Everyday Life | Bedevilled | When referring to everyday situations or problems, ‘bedevilled’ is a more appropriate choice. For example, “I was bedevilled by technical difficulties during my presentation.” |
| Religious | Cursed | When referring to religious beliefs or practices, ‘cursed’ is often used. For example, “The land was cursed by God for the sins of the people.” |
As you can see, the context in which these words are used can greatly affect the choice between ‘bedevilled’ and ‘cursed’. It’s important to consider the tone and connotation of each word when choosing which one to use in your writing.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using “bedevilled” and “cursed” are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where they might not apply. These exceptions can be identified by considering the context in which the words are being used.
1. Regional Differences
One exception to the rules for using “bedevilled” and “cursed” is that there may be regional differences in their usage. For example, in some parts of the United States, “bedevilled” may be used more frequently than “cursed,” while in other regions, the opposite may be true.
Similarly, in some parts of the world, one word may be more commonly used than the other. For instance, in the United Kingdom, “cursed” is typically used more often than “bedevilled.”
2. Contextual Usage
Another exception to the rules for using “bedevilled” and “cursed” is that their usage may depend on the context in which they are being used. For example, if someone is describing a situation where they feel like they are being tormented or harassed, they may use “bedevilled” to convey that feeling.
On the other hand, if someone is talking about a situation where they feel like they have been cursed or hexed, they may use “cursed” to describe that feeling.
3. Figurative Usage
Finally, there may be situations where “bedevilled” and “cursed” are used in a figurative sense, rather than a literal one. For example, someone might say that they are “bedevilled” by their own thoughts, meaning that they are struggling with negative or intrusive thoughts.
Similarly, someone might say that they are “cursed” with bad luck, indicating that they feel like they are experiencing a string of unfortunate events.
| Exceptions to the Rules | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Differences | Usage may vary depending on the region where the words are being used | In some parts of the US, “bedevilled” may be used more frequently than “cursed” |
| Contextual Usage | Usage may depend on the context in which the words are being used | Someone may use “bedevilled” to describe feeling tormented or harassed |
| Figurative Usage | Words may be used in a figurative sense rather than a literal one | Someone might say they are “cursed” with bad luck |
Practice Exercises
Now that we have discussed the differences between “bedevilled” and “cursed,” let’s put our knowledge into practice. Below are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these two words in sentences.
Exercise 1: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct word to fill in the blank in the following sentences:
- The old mansion was said to be __________ by a vengeful spirit.
- a. bedevilled
- b. cursed
- a. bedevilled
- b. cursed
- a. bedevilled
- b. cursed
Answer Key:
- a
- b
- b
Exercise 2: Fill In The Blank
Fill in the blank with either “bedevilled” or “cursed” to complete the following sentences:
- The town was __________ with a string of robberies.
- She felt __________ after breaking a mirror.
- The old man was convinced his house was __________ by evil spirits.
- The family believed they were __________ after a series of tragic events.
Answer Key:
- bedevilled
- cursed
- bedevilled
- cursed
By practicing with these exercises, you will be able to confidently use “bedevilled” and “cursed” in the appropriate context. Remember, “bedevilled” implies a sense of mischief or harassment, while “cursed” implies a sense of doom or misfortune.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the proper use of language and grammar is essential in effective communication. Throughout this article, we have explored the difference between the words “bedevilled” and “cursed” and how they should be used in different contexts. We have also discussed the importance of understanding the nuances of language and the impact it can have on the message being conveyed.
It is important to remember that language is constantly evolving, and it is crucial to stay updated on any changes or new developments in grammar rules. By doing so, we can ensure that our communication is clear, concise, and effective.
Key Takeaways
- The word “bedevilled” is often used to describe a situation or a person who is troubled or plagued by difficulties.
- The word “cursed” is typically used to describe a situation or a person who has been subjected to a curse or a spell.
- It is important to use the correct word in the appropriate context to avoid confusion or misinterpretation.
- Understanding the nuances of language and grammar can greatly enhance the effectiveness of communication.
By continuing to learn and improve our language and grammar skills, we can become better communicators and achieve greater success in our personal and professional lives.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.