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DictionaryRoot: ballein
Greek

ballein

throw or cast

Forms

  • ballein
  • ball- — The form retained in some derivatives.
  • bol- — A changed form used in other formations.
  • blē- — Another changed form found in related Greek words.

Origin

From an old Indo-European family associated with throwing or striking.

Note

Throwing can describe physical movement or putting an idea forward.

2 / 9
Devilish figure maliciously confining a songbird.
adjective

diabolic

dye-uh-BAH-lik/ˌdaɪəˈbɑlɪk/

Extremely wicked or unpleasant.

Etymology
diaGreekthrough, across; apart
+bolGreekthrow or cast
+icGreekconnected with or characteristic of

The Greek “throw across” verb also meant “slander”; its agent noun meant “accuser” and became a name for the Devil. The adjective consequently describes devilish or outrageously wicked behavior.

Full entry

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