A1 adjective #20,000 よく出る 9分で読める
At the A1 level, you can think of 'démoniaque' as a very strong version of 'méchant' (mean or bad). While you might not use it every day, you will see it in simple stories about monsters or villains. It describes someone or something that is very, very evil, like a monster in a movie. Remember that it doesn't change for boys or girls! You can say 'un monstre démoniaque' or 'une sorcière démoniaque.' It's a great word to use if you want to sound more expressive when talking about scary things. Just imagine a very scary face or a very mean laugh, and that is 'démoniaque.' Even though it's a big word, it's easy to remember because it looks like 'demonic' in English. Use it when 'bad' is just not enough to describe how scary something is.
At the A2 level, you are starting to describe people and things in more detail. 'Démoniaque' is a useful adjective for describing characters in movies, books, or games. You can use it to talk about a 'rire démoniaque' (a demonic laugh) or a 'regard démoniaque' (a demonic look). It's important to notice that it usually comes after the noun. In your sentences, you can use it to add drama. For example, 'Le méchant a un plan démoniaque.' This sounds much more interesting than just saying 'The bad guy has a bad plan.' You should also know that for more than one thing, you just add an 's' at the end: 'des plans démoniaques.' It's a high-energy word that helps you express strong feelings about things that are frightening or very intense.
At the B1 level, you can begin to use 'démoniaque' in more figurative ways. Beyond just describing literal demons or monsters, you can use it to describe an intense pace or a difficult situation. For example, 'un rythme démoniaque' means a very fast, almost impossible rhythm. This is common when talking about work, music, or sports. You might also encounter it in news articles describing especially cruel acts. At this level, you should be able to distinguish 'démoniaque' from 'diabolique.' While 'diabolique' often implies a clever, human-made plan, 'démoniaque' suggests a more raw, uncontrollable, or supernatural evil. It's a powerful tool for your vocabulary when you want to emphasize that something is not just bad, but overwhelmingly intense or frighteningly powerful.
At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 'démoniaque' to describe complex psychological states or literary themes. You might discuss a character's 'beauté démoniaque'—a beauty that is both captivating and dangerous. You will see this word in literature (like the works of Baudelaire or Victor Hugo) where it describes the darker side of the human soul. It's also used in technical or specialized contexts, such as describing a 'possession démoniaque' in a historical or religious study. You should understand the nuance that 'démoniaque' can sometimes be used as a noun ('un démoniaque') to refer to a person perceived as being possessed. Your usage should reflect an understanding of the word's gravity; it's an adjective that carries a lot of emotional and historical weight.
At the C1 level, you are expected to appreciate the subtle stylistic choices between 'démoniaque' and its synonyms like 'satanique,' 'maléfique,' or 'infernal.' You might use 'démoniaque' in an essay to describe the frenetic energy of a period in history or the destructive genius of a particular individual. The word often appears in philosophical discussions about the nature of evil—distinguishing between 'le mal' (evil in general) and 'le démoniaque' (evil as an active, possessing force). You should also be aware of its use in music criticism to describe a performance of 'une virtuosité démoniaque,' suggesting a level of skill so high it seems almost supernatural or frightening. Your mastery of this word involves knowing exactly when its high-register, intense connotations will best serve your rhetorical goals.
At the C2 level, 'démoniaque' becomes a tool for precise and evocative expression in the highest forms of discourse. You might analyze the 'esthétique démoniaque' in Romanticism or the 'pulsion démoniaque' in psychoanalytic theory. You understand how the word functions in various registers, from its literal theological roots to its most abstract metaphorical applications. You can use it to describe a 'logique démoniaque'—a logic that is perfectly consistent but leads to horrific conclusions. At this level, you are also familiar with the word's history and its relationship to the Greek 'daimōn,' which wasn't always purely evil, though the French 'démoniaque' almost always is. Your use of the word is nuanced, deliberate, and perfectly integrated into sophisticated French prose or speech.

démoniaque 30秒で

  • Démoniaque is a French adjective meaning 'demonic' or 'fiendish.'
  • It is used for literal evil (monsters) and figurative intensity (speed).
  • The word is the same for masculine and feminine singular forms.
  • It is a high-intensity word, stronger than 'méchant' or 'mauvais.'

The French word démoniaque is a powerful adjective that transcends simple descriptions of 'bad' or 'mean.' It is deeply rooted in the concept of the demonic, deriving from the noun 'démon.' When an English speaker encounters this word, they should think of 'demonic,' 'fiendish,' or 'diabolical.' However, its application in French can range from literal theological descriptions to figurative exaggerations of speed, intensity, or malice. In a literal sense, it describes something relating to demons or evil spirits, often used in religious or horror contexts. Figuratively, it describes a person's behavior that seems possessed by an uncontrollable, often destructive, energy. For example, a person might have a rire démoniaque (a demonic laugh), suggesting not just a joke, but a laugh filled with pure, unadulterated malice. In modern French, you might also hear it used to describe a pace or a rhythm that is incredibly fast or intense, such as a 'cadence démoniaque.' This versatility makes it a staple in both high-brow literature and everyday expressive speech. Understanding the weight of this word is crucial; it is not a word used lightly for a small mistake. It implies a level of darkness or intensity that is beyond the ordinary human experience. When you use démoniaque, you are invoking an image of something otherworldly and profoundly unsettling.

Literal Meaning
Relating to demons or evil spirits; possessed by a demon.
Figurative Meaning
Extremely wicked, cruel, or characterized by intense, frenetic energy.
Intensity
High. This is a strong word used to emphasize extreme qualities of evil or speed.

Le méchant du film avait un regard démoniaque juste avant de commettre son crime.

Elle travaille à une vitesse démoniaque pour finir son projet à temps.

Les légendes parlent d'une créature démoniaque qui hante la forêt.

Son plan était d'une intelligence démoniaque, ne laissant rien au hasard.

La foule était prise d'une frénésie démoniaque pendant le concert.

Using démoniaque correctly requires an understanding of French adjective placement and agreement. In French, adjectives usually follow the noun they modify, and démoniaque is no exception. You would say 'un esprit démoniaque' (a demonic spirit) or 'une force démoniaque' (a demonic force). Because the word already ends in 'e,' it does not change between masculine and feminine singular forms. However, you must add an 's' for the plural form: 'des esprits démoniaques' or 'des forces démoniaques.' It is often used to describe abstract nouns like 'intelligence,' 'beauté,' or 'volonté' to give them a dark, intense edge. For instance, 'une beauté démoniaque' suggests a beauty so striking and perhaps dangerous that it seems supernatural. It can also be used as a predicate adjective after a linking verb like 'être' (to be) or 'sembler' (to seem). Example: 'Ses yeux étaient démoniaques' (His eyes were demonic). In more advanced contexts, you might see it used as a noun to refer to a person who is possessed: 'Le démoniaque hurlait dans la chapelle' (The possessed man was screaming in the chapel). This usage is rarer and mostly found in religious or historical texts. When applying this word to non-supernatural situations, it serves as a superlative of 'evil' or 'fast.' If someone is running at a 'train démoniaque,' they are running incredibly fast. If a puzzle is 'démoniaque,' it is frustratingly difficult and seems designed by a devilish mind to torment you. Always remember that the emotional weight of this word is heavy; it evokes images of fire, brimstone, and absolute malice.

Agreement Rule
Singular: démoniaque (M/F). Plural: démoniaques (M/F).
Placement
Usually follows the noun: 'Un rire démoniaque'.
Common Nouns Modified
Rire (laugh), regard (look/glance), plan (plan), force (force), esprit (spirit).

Il a conçu un plan démoniaque pour prendre le contrôle de l'entreprise.

La symphonie progressait à un rythme démoniaque, épuisant les musiciens.

Cette vieille maison dégage une atmosphère démoniaque la nuit.

In everyday modern French, you are most likely to hear démoniaque in the context of media, entertainment, and literature. Film critics often use it to describe the performance of a villain or the mood of a horror movie. 'Une performance démoniaque' suggests the actor was incredibly convincing and perhaps terrifying. In literature, especially in the Gothic or Romantic traditions, authors use the word to describe the internal struggles of characters or the overwhelming power of nature. You will also find it in news reports when journalists describe particularly heinous crimes, though 'diabolique' is also common there. In the world of sports or gaming, a 'difficulté démoniaque' refers to a level or a challenge that is nearly impossible to beat, suggesting that only a demon could have designed it. Furthermore, in psychological contexts (though less clinical today), it might describe someone's 'énergie démoniaque'—an obsessive, tireless drive that seems to consume the person. In social settings, it might be used jokingly to describe a friend's particularly clever but slightly mean prank: 'C'est un tour démoniaque !' (That's a demonic trick!). Despite its dark roots, the word has found a place in describing any intensity that feels 'out of this world.' Whether it's the speed of a car, the complexity of a math problem, or the look in a cat's eyes when it's about to pounce, démoniaque captures that specific blend of intensity and 'otherness' that few other words can match.

Le film d'horreur présente une possession démoniaque très réaliste.

Le joueur a réussi le niveau à la difficulté démoniaque après cent essais.

One of the most common mistakes for English speakers is confusing démoniaque with its close cousins: 'diabolique,' 'satanique,' and 'maléfique.' While they all belong to the same semantic field of 'evil,' they have different nuances. 'Diabolique' (diabolical) is often used for human cleverness turned to evil, like a 'plan diabolique.' 'Satanique' is specifically related to the figure of Satan or Satanism. 'Maléfique' (maleficent) often relates to magic or spells, like a 'sort maléfique' (an evil spell). Another mistake is grammatical: forgetting that while the spelling doesn't change for gender, it must change for number. Saying 'ils sont démoniaque' without the 's' is a common written error. Pronunciation can also be tricky; the 'que' at the end is a hard 'k' sound, and the 'ia' should be pronounced clearly as two syllables /ja/. Do not let the English 'demoniac' influence you to add extra syllables or change the stress. In French, the stress is generally on the final syllable of the word group. Finally, avoid using démoniaque for trivial matters. If a soup is slightly too salty, it's not 'démoniaque.' Using it for small things can make you sound like you're overacting or don't understand the severity of the word. Keep it for things that truly possess an intense, dark, or overwhelming quality.

Confused with Diabolique
Diabolique emphasizes clever, calculated evil; démoniaque emphasizes raw, possessed intensity.
Plural Error
Incorrect: Ils sont démoniaque. Correct: Ils sont démoniaques.

Attention à ne pas confondre une farce diabolique avec une intention démoniaque.

When you want to describe something evil but démoniaque feels too strong or not quite right, French offers several alternatives. **Diabolique** is the most common synonym, often used for human actions that are exceptionally cruel or clever in their malice. **Maléfique** is better suited for fairy tales, legends, or magic; think of a 'fée maléfique' (an evil fairy). **Satanique** is reserved for things directly linked to Satan or cult-like activities. For something that is simply very bad or wicked, you might use **méchant** (mean/evil) or **mauvais** (bad), though these are much weaker. If you want to emphasize the terrifying aspect, **effrayant** (frightening) or **terrifiant** (terrifying) are good choices. For something that seems to come from hell, **infernal** is a great alternative, often used to describe unbearable noise or heat ('un bruit infernal'). **Atroce** or **horrible** can be used when the evil results in great suffering. If you are describing a person's character, **pervers** (perverse/wicked) might capture a sense of twisted morality. Choosing the right word depends on the 'flavor' of evil you wish to convey: is it magical? (maléfique), is it clever? (diabolique), is it intense and possessed? (démoniaque), or is it simply from hell? (infernal).

Démoniaque vs. Diabolique
Démoniaque implies possession or raw power; Diabolique implies human cleverness and malice.
Démoniaque vs. Maléfique
Démoniaque is more visceral and intense; Maléfique is often related to spells or destiny.
Démoniaque vs. Infernal
Infernal describes something from hell (noise, heat); Démoniaque describes the nature of a being or look.

L'antagoniste n'était pas seulement méchant, il était véritablement démoniaque.

発音ガイド

UK /de.mɔ.njak/
US /de.mɔ.njak/
The primary stress is on the last syllable: de-mo-ni-AK.
韻が合う語
cardiaque maniaque ammoniaque hypocondriaque iliaque insomniaque sacriaque paranoïaque
よくある間違い
  • Pronouncing the final 'e' (it should be silent).
  • Mixing up with the English 'demoniac' stress.
  • Failing to pronounce the 'i' and 'a' clearly as a glide.
  • Making the 'o' sound like 'oo'.
  • Softening the 'k' sound at the end.

レベル別の例文

1

Le monstre est démoniaque.

The monster is demonic.

Simple subject + verb + adjective.

2

Elle a un rire démoniaque.

She has a demonic laugh.

The adjective follows the noun 'rire'.

3

C'est un masque démoniaque.

It is a demonic mask.

The adjective agrees with the masculine noun 'masque'.

4

Le chat a un regard démoniaque.

The cat has a demonic look.

Focus on the word 'regard' (look/glance).

5

Le film est très démoniaque.

The movie is very demonic.

Using 'très' to intensify the adjective.

6

Je vois une ombre démoniaque.

I see a demonic shadow.

The adjective 'démoniaque' is the same for feminine 'ombre'.

7

Il n'est pas démoniaque, il est gentil.

He is not demonic, he is kind.

Negative construction 'ne... pas'.

8

Les démons sont démoniaques.

The demons are demonic.

Plural agreement: add an 's'.

1

Le méchant du livre a un plan démoniaque.

The villain of the book has a demonic plan.

Using 'de' for possession (du livre).

2

Pourquoi fais-tu cette tête démoniaque ?

Why are you making that demonic face?

Interrogative sentence with 'pourquoi'.

3

Il y a une force démoniaque dans cette maison.

There is a demonic force in this house.

Using 'il y a' (there is).

4

Ses yeux sont devenus démoniaques.

His eyes became demonic.

Plural adjective matching 'yeux'.

5

C'est une histoire démoniaque et terrifiante.

It's a demonic and terrifying story.

Using two adjectives connected by 'et'.

6

Le cri était vraiment démoniaque.

The scream was truly demonic.

Using the adverb 'vraiment'.

7

Ne regarde pas ce film démoniaque seul.

Don't watch this demonic movie alone.

Imperative mood (Ne regarde pas).

8

Le petit garçon a une énergie démoniaque.

The little boy has a demonic energy.

Figurative use for high energy.

1

L'équipe travaille à une cadence démoniaque.

The team is working at a demonic pace.

Figurative use: cadence démoniaque (very fast).

2

Il possède une intelligence démoniaque pour les affaires.

He possesses a demonic intelligence for business.

Describing abstract qualities.

3

Le vent produisait un sifflement démoniaque.

The wind was making a demonic whistling sound.

Describing sounds with 'produisait'.

4

La difficulté de ce jeu est démoniaque.

The difficulty of this game is demonic.

Predicate adjective after 'est'.

5

Elle a été victime d'une influence démoniaque.

She was a victim of a demonic influence.

Passive-like structure 'été victime de'.

6

Les ombres démoniaques dansaient sur le mur.

The demonic shadows were dancing on the wall.

Imperfect tense for description (dansaient).

7

Son ambition démoniaque l'a conduit à sa perte.

His demonic ambition led him to his downfall.

Abstract noun modified by 'démoniaque'.

8

Il y avait un silence démoniaque dans la forêt.

There was a demonic silence in the forest.

Using 'il y avait' (there was).

1

Le personnage principal lutte contre ses pulsions démoniaques.

The main character struggles against his demonic impulses.

Psychological usage of the adjective.

2

La mise en scène souligne l'aspect démoniaque de l'opéra.

The staging highlights the demonic aspect of the opera.

Artistic/Critical context.

3

Une beauté démoniaque émanait de son visage.

A demonic beauty emanated from her face.

Literary trope of the 'dangerous beauty'.

4

Le prêtre pratiquait un exorcisme sur le démoniaque.

The priest was performing an exorcism on the possessed man.

Here 'démoniaque' is used as a noun.

5

Il a une volonté démoniaque de réussir, peu importe le prix.

He has a demonic will to succeed, no matter the cost.

Describing extreme determination.

6

Le compositeur a créé une mélodie aux accents démoniaques.

The composer created a melody with demonic accents.

Musical description.

7

Le criminel a agi avec une cruauté démoniaque.

The criminal acted with demonic cruelty.

Intensifying the noun 'cruauté'.

8

Cette machine tourne à un régime démoniaque.

This machine is running at a demonic speed.

Technical/Figurative use.

1

L'œuvre de Baudelaire explore souvent le versant démoniaque de l'existence.

Baudelaire's work often explores the demonic side of existence.

Literary analysis context.

2

Sa virtuosité démoniaque au violon laissait le public sans voix.

His demonic virtuosity on the violin left the audience speechless.

Positive but intense connotation.

3

Le philosophe s'interroge sur la nature démoniaque du pouvoir absolu.

The philosopher questions the demonic nature of absolute power.

Philosophical/Political context.

4

Il existe une logique démoniaque dans ce système d'oppression.

There is a demonic logic in this system of oppression.

Abstract usage for systems.

5

Le tableau capture l'expression démoniaque du sujet avec précision.

The painting captures the subject's demonic expression with precision.

Art criticism context.

6

Elle possède un charme démoniaque auquel personne ne résiste.

She possesses a demonic charm that no one can resist.

Describing an irresistible but dangerous quality.

7

La tempête s'est déchaînée avec une violence démoniaque.

The storm broke loose with demonic violence.

Describing natural phenomena.

8

L'intrigue du roman repose sur un pacte démoniaque.

The novel's plot relies on a demonic pact.

Literary motif (Faustian theme).

1

L'herméneutique du texte révèle une dimension démoniaque insoupçonnée.

The hermeneutics of the text reveal an unsuspected demonic dimension.

High-level academic vocabulary.

2

On perçoit chez cet artiste une tension démoniaque entre création et destruction.

One perceives in this artist a demonic tension between creation and destruction.

Abstract psychological/artistic analysis.

3

La démesure de ses ambitions frise le démoniaque.

The excess of his ambitions borders on the demonic.

Using 'le démoniaque' as an abstract noun.

4

L'ouvrage traite de l'iconographie démoniaque au Moyen Âge.

The book deals with demonic iconography in the Middle Ages.

Historical/Academic context.

5

Il règne dans ce récit une atmosphère démoniaque, presque méphistophélique.

A demonic atmosphere, almost Mephistophelean, reigns in this story.

Using 'méphistophélique' as a high-level synonym.

6

L'orchestration atteint ici une complexité démoniaque.

The orchestration reaches a demonic complexity here.

Technical music analysis.

7

L'aliénation mentale était autrefois perçue comme un état démoniaque.

Mental alienation was once perceived as a demonic state.

Historical perspective on psychology.

8

La rhétorique du dictateur était d'une efficacité démoniaque.

The dictator's rhetoric was of a demonic effectiveness.

Political/Historical analysis.

類義語

diabolique satanique maléfique infernal méphistophélique atroce effrayant monstrueux

反対語

angélique divin bienveillant saint

よく使う組み合わせ

rire démoniaque
regard démoniaque
plan démoniaque
force démoniaque
beauté démoniaque
cadence démoniaque
possession démoniaque
esprit démoniaque
intelligence démoniaque
rythme démoniaque

よく使うフレーズ

un tour démoniaque

— A very clever or mean trick.

Il nous a joué un tour démoniaque.

une volonté démoniaque

— An incredibly strong and perhaps destructive will.

Sa volonté démoniaque de gagner.

une voix démoniaque

— A voice that sounds like a demon.

Il parlait d'une voix démoniaque.

un pacte démoniaque

— A deal with the devil or a very dangerous agreement.

Ils ont signé un pacte démoniaque.

une allure démoniaque

— An incredibly fast speed.

La voiture roulait à une allure démoniaque.

un génie démoniaque

— An evil genius or a genius with a dark side.

C'est un génie démoniaque de l'informatique.

un froid démoniaque

— Extremely, unbearably cold weather.

Il fait un froid démoniaque dehors.

un bruit démoniaque

— A terrifyingly loud or strange noise.

La vieille machine faisait un bruit démoniaque.

une énergie démoniaque

— Tireless and intense energy.

Il a une énergie démoniaque au travail.

un visage démoniaque

— A face that looks evil or possessed.

Il a dessiné un visage démoniaque.

慣用句と表現

"avoir le diable au corps"

— To be incredibly energetic or mischievous (related concept).

Cet enfant a le diable au corps !

informal
"être possédé par un démon"

— To act in an irrational or evil way.

Il semble possédé par un démon aujourd'hui.

neutral
"vendre son âme au diable"

— To do something immoral for personal gain.

Il a vendu son âme au diable pour la gloire.

neutral
"un train démoniaque"

— A very fast and relentless pace.

Il mène sa vie à un train démoniaque.

figurative
"faire un boucan démoniaque"

— To make a terrible, hellish noise.

Les voisins font un boucan démoniaque.

informal
"une faim démoniaque"

— To be incredibly hungry.

J'ai une faim démoniaque !

informal
"une patience démoniaque"

— An extreme, almost frightening amount of patience.

Il faut une patience démoniaque pour ce puzzle.

figurative
"un succès démoniaque"

— A huge, overwhelming success.

Son dernier livre a un succès démoniaque.

informal
"rire comme un démoniaque"

— To laugh in a wild, scary way.

Il s'est mis à rire comme un démoniaque.

neutral
"un courage démoniaque"

— Incredible, perhaps reckless courage.

Il a fait preuve d'un courage démoniaque.

figurative

語族

名詞

démon (demon)
démonologie (demonology)
démonisation (demonization)
démonomancie (demonomancy)

動詞

démoniser (to demonize)

形容詞

démoniaque (demonic)
démonologique (demonological)

関連

diable (devil)
enfer (hell)
possession (possession)
exorcisme
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