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Old 21-Nov-2004, 00:30
weston
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Default a word to use instead of devil's advocate?

I've been hearing this phrase so much lately, and Im starting to get sick of it. Id like to know a word or phrase that can be used as an alternative. Preferably a word. I have a decent vocabulary but I dont know a word that is synonomous to the meaning of Devil's Advocate. Do any of you?
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Old 21-Nov-2004, 04:42
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Default Re: a word to use instead of devil's advocate?

Hi,
I know that you are sick of hearing this phrase, but it is the first time I see it. Can you tell me what does it mean till you find someone to answer your question, please?
Thanks.
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Old 21-Nov-2004, 09:28
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Default Re: a word to use instead of devil's advocate?

Try here, Latoof:



http://www.usingenglish.com/referenc....php?idiom=469

Last edited by Tdol; 21-Nov-2004 at 09:32.
  #4  
Old 21-Nov-2004, 09:30
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Default Re: a word to use instead of devil's advocate?

Quote:
Originally Posted by weston
I've been hearing this phrase so much lately, and Im starting to get sick of it. Id like to know a word or phrase that can be used as an alternative. Preferably a word. I have a decent vocabulary but I dont know a word that is synonomous to the meaning of Devil's Advocate. Do any of you?
I can't think of one.
  #5  
Old 21-Nov-2004, 10:38
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Default Re: a word to use instead of devil's advocate?

Thanks,
That was useful, tdol.
  #6  
Old 22-Nov-2004, 08:32
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Default Re: a word to use instead of devil's advocate?

You're welcome.
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Old 22-Nov-2004, 23:00
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Default Re: a word to use instead of devil's advocate?

When in doubt, invent a word :)
If Samuel Clemens can do it...
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Old 30-Dec-2004, 14:46
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Default Re: a word to use instead of devil's advocate?

Hello! I'm new at this, so please be patient. I have been giving some thought to this question. I guess there are words that could indicate someone's tendency to argue, such as:

argumentative, combative, contentious, disputatious, quarrelsome, scrappy

These are all adjectives and if used adequately, the lack of adherence to the cause being argued over can be conveyed. Hope it helps!

Happy new year!
  #9  
Old 24-Feb-2005, 15:57
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Default Re: a word to use instead of devil's advocate?

http://www.tek-tips.com/viewthread.c...1010695&page=1

Try this link and in case it doesn't work - answer was
You could probably make "gainsayer" work in most contexts.

"It may amuse you to gainsay everything I say, but I find it annoying."

"Don't be such a gainsayer."

"You're gainsaying for amusement again, aren't you?"

I am just a messenger, all Thanks to TRodKnowlton.
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