Diabolically opposed

Posted by Anders on January 29, 2005

In Reply to: Diabolically opposed posted by Anders on January 29, 2005

: : : Diabolically opposed is frequently used, meaning at least two ideas are in extreme opposition. Why "diabolically," as in devilishly or fiendishly?

: : Do you mean diametrically opposed?

: Google gives 623 instances of "diabolically opposed", so the quote is right. I take it it's a humorous expression, and the fact that one can hear "diametrically opposed" within it, only adds to the fun. On the other hand, it's sound kind of Miltonic: Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven. Thus spake the Apostate with fiendish wrath, diabolically opposed...

Let me add what I meant to say in the above, that the expression makes good sense as it turns on the contrast between good and evil, concepts that are diametrically opposite.