Definition

In a way that is extremely clever, tricky, or cruel, often associated with evil or wickedness.

Example

The puzzle was designed fiendishly, making it very difficult to solve.

Conversation

Did you see how the puzzle was designed?

Yeah, it was fiendishly difficult to solve!

I know, right? I spent hours on it.

Same here! It was challenging but fun.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Fiendishly → It is formed from "fiend" (from Old English "feond", meaning enemy or demon) and the suffix "-ishly" (meaning in a manner of). The word "fiendishly" describes something done in a manner characteristic of a fiend, often implying wickedness or cruelty.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'fiend' as an enemy or a demon, and remember that 'fiendishly' means doing something in a wicked or cruel way, like a fiend would.

Visually Confused Words