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B1 Noun (plural) #35 가장 일반적인 14분 분량

demons

상위 35

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 demons 30초 만에

설명 demons in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'demons' is a word you might see in very simple stories or movies. It means 'bad monsters' or 'scary creatures' that are not real. You might see them in a picture book or a Halloween cartoon. They are usually red, have horns, and want to do bad things. At this level, you only need to know that they are scary and evil. You don't need to worry about the deeper meanings. For example: 'The movie has scary demons.' or 'I am not afraid of demons.' It is a simple noun for a scary thing.

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At the A2 level, you can start to understand that 'demons' are common in many different stories, like fairy tales or superhero movies. You know they are the 'bad guys' who are supernatural (they have magic or special powers). You might also see the word in simple descriptions of feelings, like 'He is a demon on the football field,' which means he plays very fast and strong (this is a positive, slang use). You are learning that 'demons' are plural and 'demon' is singular. You can use it to describe the villains in a game or a book.

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At the B1 level, you should understand both the literal and the metaphorical meanings. You know that 'demons' can be monsters in a movie, but you also understand the phrase 'inner demons.' This means a person has bad feelings or problems inside their mind, like being very sad or having a bad habit. You can use the word to talk about characters in a book who are struggling with their past. You should be able to use it with verbs like 'fight' or 'battle.' For example: 'The hero is fighting his inner demons.' This level is about moving from 'scary monsters' to 'difficult personal problems.'

At the B2 level, you can use 'demons' with more complex grammar and in more varied contexts. You understand collocations like 'exorcising your demons' or 'wrestling with demons.' You can discuss the word in a literary context, explaining how a writer uses demons to represent a character's guilt or trauma. You also recognize the word in news articles or interviews where people talk about their 'personal demons' regarding addiction or mental health. You are comfortable using the word to add emotional weight to your writing and speaking, and you know not to use it for small, unimportant problems.

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At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the historical and cultural nuances of 'demons.' You know about the Greek origin 'daimon' and how the meaning changed over time. You can use the word in academic or philosophical discussions about the nature of evil or the personification of psychological states. You understand the difference between 'demons,' 'daemons,' and 'devils.' You can use the word with sophisticated adjectives like 'malevolent,' 'insidious,' or 'persistent.' Your usage is precise, and you can identify when the word is being used as a powerful rhetorical device in speeches or high-level literature.

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At the C2 level, you master the word 'demons' as a versatile tool for expression. You can use it to explore complex themes in creative writing, using it as a central metaphor. You understand its use in various specialized fields, from theology to computer science (daemons). You can analyze how the concept of 'demons' varies across different cultures and historical periods. You use the word with perfect tone and register, whether you are writing a dark gothic novel, a psychological analysis, or a moving eulogy. You are aware of the most subtle idiomatic uses and can even play with the word's meaning for irony or emphasis.

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demons 30초 만에

Demons are plural supernatural beings often depicted as evil or malevolent in mythology and religion, representing chaos and harm across various global cultures.
The word is frequently used metaphorically to describe intense personal struggles, such as addiction, trauma, or persistent negative emotions that haunt an individual.
Commonly paired with verbs like 'battle,' 'face,' or 'exorcise,' the term 'demons' adds a sense of drama and gravity to psychological or emotional conflicts.
While literal in horror and fantasy, 'demons' in daily English usually refers to the 'inner demons' of the human psyche and mental health challenges.

The word demons is the plural form of 'demon,' a term that has evolved significantly over thousands of years. In its most literal sense, demons are supernatural beings, often depicted as malevolent, evil, or destructive, appearing in the mythologies, religions, and folklore of almost every culture on Earth. From the ancient Mesopotamian 'edimmu' to the Christian concept of fallen angels, demons represent the externalization of harm, chaos, and temptation. However, in modern English, the word is perhaps more frequently used in a figurative or psychological sense. When someone speaks of their 'inner demons' or 'personal demons,' they are not referring to literal horned creatures from a hellish realm. Instead, they are describing persistent psychological struggles, such as addiction, trauma, depression, anxiety, or deep-seated guilt. This metaphorical usage allows individuals to personify their internal conflicts, making the abstract nature of mental suffering feel more tangible and, perhaps, something that can be 'battled' or 'conquered.'

Literal Context: Used when discussing mythology, horror films, religious texts, or fantasy literature where supernatural entities are physical characters.

Metaphorical Context: Used in psychology, memoirs, and daily conversation to describe intense personal struggles or negative habits that are difficult to overcome.

The protagonist spent the entire novel trying to outrun the demons of his past, only to realize he had to face them head-on.

In a historical context, the word derives from the Greek 'daimon,' which originally referred to a spirit or divine power, not necessarily an evil one. It was only with the spread of later religious traditions that the term became synonymous with pure evil. Today, you will hear this word in diverse settings: a priest might use it during a sermon, a psychiatrist might use it to describe a patient's recurring intrusive thoughts, and a sports commentator might use it to describe a player overcoming a history of failure in big games. The versatility of 'demons' lies in its ability to convey a sense of haunting—something that follows you, weighs you down, and requires significant strength to defeat. Whether it is a literal monster under the bed or the metaphorical weight of a secret, 'demons' captures the essence of a formidable, often hidden, adversary.

After years of therapy, she finally felt she had exorcised the demons that had haunted her since childhood.

Common Verbs: Commonly paired with 'battle,' 'face,' 'conquer,' 'wrestle,' 'exorcise,' or 'be haunted by.'

Furthermore, the word 'demons' often appears in creative works to represent societal ills. In dystopian fiction, demons might be a metaphor for the destructive nature of technology or greed. In poetry, they represent the darker side of human nature. The word carries a heavy emotional weight; it is rarely used lightly. To say someone has 'demons' is to acknowledge a deep, serious level of suffering or conflict. It is a word that demands respect for the struggle it describes, whether that struggle is against a mythical beast or a very real addiction. By understanding both the ancient roots and the modern psychological applications, a learner can use 'demons' to describe complex human experiences with precision and empathy.

The ancient ruins were said to be infested with demons that guarded the forgotten treasure.

He wrestled with his demons throughout the night, unable to find peace or sleep.

Using the word demons correctly requires an understanding of its two primary paths: the literal and the metaphorical. Because it is a plural noun, it follows standard plural grammar rules, but its impact is largely determined by the verbs and adjectives that surround it. When using it literally, you are often describing a scene of fantasy or horror. When using it metaphorically, you are describing a person's internal state. Let's explore how to construct sentences that effectively utilize this powerful word.

Metaphorical Usage (Internal Struggles): When describing mental health or personal history, 'demons' is almost always preceded by a possessive pronoun (my, his, her, their) or the adjective 'inner.' Example: 'She is finally facing her inner demons.'

The retired soldier struggled with the demons of war long after he returned home.

In the sentence above, 'demons' represents Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or haunting memories. Notice how 'demons of [something]' is a common structure. You can have 'demons of the past,' 'demons of addiction,' or 'demons of doubt.' This structure specifies exactly what kind of struggle the person is facing. Another common pattern is using 'demons' as the object of a verb that implies conflict. Verbs like 'wrestle,' 'battle,' 'fight,' and 'confront' are perfect for this. For example, 'He spent his youth battling the demons of alcoholism.' This gives the struggle a heroic or epic quality, suggesting that the person is a warrior fighting a difficult foe.

Many great artists are said to be driven by their demons, turning pain into beautiful works of art.

Literal Usage (Mythology/Horror): In literal contexts, 'demons' are often the subject of sentences involving haunting, possession, or destruction. Example: 'The legend says the demons were trapped in the cave for eternity.'

When writing about literal demons, you can use more descriptive adjectives to heighten the sense of fear or awe. Adjectives like 'malevolent,' 'ancient,' 'formidable,' 'hellish,' or 'bloodthirsty' are common. For instance, 'The priest performed a ritual to cast out the malevolent demons that had taken hold of the village.' In this context, the word is treated like any other plural noun for creatures, such as 'wolves' or 'monsters.' You can also use it in a more abstract religious sense: 'The theology of the Middle Ages was preoccupied with the hierarchy of demons and angels.'

In the video game, players must defeat waves of demons to reach the final boss.

Finally, consider the register of your sentence. 'Demons' is a high-impact word. It carries more weight than 'problems' or 'spirits.' If you want to emphasize the severity of a situation, 'demons' is the right choice. If you are writing a formal academic paper on psychology, you might use it in quotes or define it as a personification of trauma. In creative writing, it serves as a powerful symbol. By mastering these patterns—the possessive 'inner demons,' the 'demons of [noun]' structure, and the literal 'malevolent demons'—you can use this word to add depth and drama to your English communication.

The old house was rumored to be a gateway for demons seeking to enter our world.

Idiomatic Phrases: 'Better the devil you know than the demons you don't' (though usually 'devil,' 'demons' is sometimes substituted for emphasis).

To find true happiness, one must first make peace with their demons.

The word demons is ubiquitous in English-speaking culture, appearing in everything from high literature to gritty pop songs and clinical psychology. Understanding where you are likely to encounter it will help you grasp its nuances. One of the most common places to hear 'demons' today is in the context of mental health discussions. In podcasts, interviews, and memoirs, celebrities and public figures often talk about 'facing their demons.' This has become a standard way to discuss struggles with addiction, depression, or past mistakes without necessarily needing to name the specific medical diagnosis. It provides a narrative of struggle and potential triumph.

In Music and Lyrics: Rock, hip-hop, and pop music frequently use 'demons' as a metaphor for internal pain. Think of songs like 'Demons' by Imagine Dragons, where the lyrics 'It's where my demons hide' refer to the dark parts of the singer's personality.

The singer's new album is a raw exploration of the demons that nearly destroyed his career.

In the world of entertainment, specifically the horror and fantasy genres, 'demons' are literal characters. From the classic film 'The Exorcist' to modern TV shows like 'Supernatural' or 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer,' demons are the primary antagonists. In these contexts, the word is used to describe a specific species of supernatural being with defined powers and weaknesses. Video games like 'DOOM' or 'Diablo' also center their entire gameplay loops around fighting literal demons. If you are a fan of these genres, you will hear the word constantly, often paired with terms like 'summoning,' 'banishing,' or 'hell-spawn.'

The priest warned the congregation about the demons of greed and envy that can corrupt the soul.

In Literature and Philosophy: Classic literature, such as Dante’s 'Inferno' or Milton’s 'Paradise Lost,' uses 'demons' to explore theological concepts of evil. Philosophers like Nietzsche have also used the concept of a 'demon' as a thought experiment (e.g., the eternal recurrence).

You will also hear 'demons' in sports and competitive environments. When a team has a history of losing to a specific opponent or failing in a specific stadium, commentators might say they are 'trying to exorcise their demons.' This means they are trying to overcome the psychological weight of past failures. For example, 'The team finally won the championship, exorcising the demons of their three previous finals losses.' Here, the word captures the feeling that the past is a haunting presence that affects current performance. Whether in a stadium, a therapist's office, or a movie theater, 'demons' is a word that describes the things that haunt us, whether they are made of spirit or memory.

By winning the gold medal, the athlete finally silenced the demons of self-doubt that had plagued her for years.

The documentary explores how the city is still haunted by the demons of its violent history.

While 'demons' is a common word, there are several pitfalls that learners and even native speakers can fall into. These mistakes usually involve spelling, confusion with similar-sounding words, or inappropriate usage in specific contexts. Understanding these common errors will help you use the word with more confidence and accuracy.

Spelling: Demon vs. Daemon: 'Demon' is the standard spelling for the evil spirit or psychological struggle. 'Daemon' is an older spelling (often used in fantasy literature like Philip Pullman's 'His Dark Materials') or a technical term in computing for a background process. Using 'daemon' in a psychological context can look archaic or confusing.

Incorrect: He is fighting his inner daemons.
Correct: He is fighting his inner demons.

Another common mistake is confusing 'demons' with 'ghosts' or 'spirits.' While all three are supernatural, they carry different connotations. 'Ghosts' are typically the spirits of deceased humans. 'Demons' are usually non-human, inherently malevolent entities. In a metaphorical sense, 'ghosts' usually refer to memories or people from the past that you miss or regret, while 'demons' refer to active, destructive struggles like addiction. If you say you are 'haunted by the ghosts of your past,' it sounds nostalgic or sad. If you say you are 'haunted by the demons of your past,' it sounds much more intense and painful.

The novelist was careful to distinguish between the demons of the underworld and the restless ghosts of the graveyard.

Over-Dramatization: Using 'demons' for trivial problems. This can make the speaker sound insincere or melodramatic. 'I have to face the demons of my laundry pile' is a joke, but in a serious context, it's a misuse of the word's weight.

Grammatically, some learners forget that 'demons' is the plural form. While 'demon' is used for a single entity, the metaphorical 'inner demons' is almost always plural, reflecting the idea that psychological struggles are often complex and multi-faceted. Saying 'I am fighting my inner demon' is possible, but 'inner demons' is the standard idiomatic expression. Additionally, be careful with the verb 'exorcise.' It is spelled with a 'c,' not an 's' (like 'exercise'). You 'exercise' at the gym, but you 'exorcise' your demons.

She needed to exorcise her demons through art, not just hide from them.

The translator struggled to find a word that captured the specific malevolence of the demons described in the text.

Because demons is such a strong word, you might sometimes want an alternative that is slightly more formal, less supernatural, or more specific to a certain context. Choosing the right synonym can change the tone of your sentence from mythological to clinical or from dramatic to subtle. Here are several words that can be used instead of 'demons,' depending on what you mean.

Fiends: A very close literal synonym. 'Fiends' suggests a cruel, wicked, or diabolical person or spirit. It is often used in literature to describe literal demons. Example: 'The pit was filled with shrieking fiends.'

Struggles / Issues: The most common non-metaphorical alternatives. In a clinical or professional setting, you would say 'mental health struggles' or 'personal issues' instead of 'demons.' Example: 'He is working through some personal struggles.'

While 'demons' is poetic, 'psychological struggles' is more appropriate for a medical report.

If you are talking about literal monsters, you might use 'monsters,' 'beasts,' 'devils,' or 'evil spirits.' 'Devils' is often used interchangeably with 'demons,' though in some religious traditions, there is only one 'Devil' (Satan) and many 'demons.' 'Evil spirits' is a more general term that could include ghosts or poltergeists. In fantasy writing, 'wraiths' or 'specters' might be used if the entities are more shadow-like and less physical.

The hero had to navigate a forest full of evil spirits before reaching the castle.

Afflictions: A more formal word for something that causes pain or suffering. It is often used for diseases or long-term hardships. Example: 'He bore his afflictions with great patience.'

When using 'demons' metaphorically to describe a person's darker side, you could use 'vices' or 'shortcomings.' However, 'vices' usually refers to specific bad habits like gambling or smoking, whereas 'demons' suggests a deeper, more emotional or spiritual conflict. 'Shortcomings' is much milder and refers to general flaws in character. In summary, use 'demons' when you want to emphasize the intensity, the 'haunting' nature, and the internal battle of the experience. Use the alternatives when you need to be more precise, formal, or less dramatic.

The counselor helped him identify the vices that were feeding his inner demons.

The ancient text spoke of monsters from the deep, but the villagers called them demons.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The shift from 'daimon' (neutral spirit) to 'demon' (evil spirit) happened largely through the influence of early Christian translations of the Bible, where the word was used to translate Hebrew terms for malevolent spirits.

발음 가이드

UK /ˈdiː.mənz/

US /ˈdiː.mənz/

The stress is on the first syllable: DE-mons.

라임이 맞는 단어

seamens lemons (near rhyme) humans (near rhyme) schemens beaming (near rhyme) dreaming (near rhyme) omens (near rhyme) pennons

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing the 'o' clearly like 'on' instead of a schwa /ə/.
Pronouncing the final 's' as a sharp /s/ instead of a voiced /z/.
Confusing the pronunciation with 'diamonds' (which has an 'ai' sound).
Confusing it with 'daemons' (though they are pronounced the same, learners often think they are different).
Stress on the second syllable (de-MONS).

난이도

독해 3/5

The word itself is easy, but the metaphorical usage in literature can be complex.

쓰기 4/5

Using it metaphorically without sounding overly dramatic requires skill.

말하기 3/5

Common in idioms, making it useful for natural-sounding speech.

듣기 2/5

Usually clear in context, whether literal or metaphorical.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

evil spirit monster scary fight

다음에 배울 것

metaphor psychology addiction trauma exorcise

고급

demonology malevolent ontological personification allegory

알아야 할 문법

Pluralization of Count Nouns

One demon, two demons.

Possessive Adjectives with Metaphors

My demons, his demons, their demons.

Prepositional Phrases with 'Of'

Demons of doubt, demons of the past.

Verb-Object Collocation

To battle demons, to face demons.

Adjective-Noun Agreement

Malevolent demons, inner demons.

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수준별 예문

The movie has scary demons.

Le film a des démons effrayants.

Plural noun 'demons'.

Do you like stories about demons?

Aimes-tu les histoires de démons ?

Question form.

Demons are not real.

Les démons ne sont pas réels.

Simple present tense.

The demons live in the dark cave.

Les démons vivent dans la grotte sombre.

Subject-verb agreement.

He drew a picture of two demons.

Il a dessiné une image de deux démons.

Plural count noun.

The demons have big teeth.

Les démons ont de grandes dents.

Possessive 'have'.

I saw demons in my dream.

J'ai vu des démons dans mon rêve.

Past tense 'saw'.

The demons are very bad.

Les démons sont très méchants.

Adjective 'bad' describing the noun.

The hero must fight the demons to save the world.

Le héros doit combattre les démons pour sauver le monde.

Infinitive 'to save'.

In this game, you can summon demons.

Dans ce jeu, vous pouvez invoquer des démons.

Modal verb 'can'.

The old book tells legends about demons.

Le vieux livre raconte des légendes sur les démons.

Preposition 'about'.

Are those demons or just shadows?

Sont-ce des démons ou juste des ombres ?

Conjunction 'or'.

The demons in the story were very powerful.

Les démons dans l'histoire étaient très puissants.

Past tense 'were'.

He is a demon at playing chess.

C'est un génie (démon) aux échecs.

Metaphorical 'demon' (singular) for skill.

The demons tried to steal the gold.

Les démons ont essayé de voler l'or.

Past tense 'tried'.

She doesn't like movies with demons in them.

Elle n'aime pas les films avec des démons.

Negative 'doesn't like'.

He is finally facing his inner demons after many years.

Il affronte enfin ses démons intérieurs après de nombreuses années.

Present continuous 'is facing'.

The author uses demons to represent the character's guilt.

L'auteur utilise des démons pour représenter la culpabilité du personnage.

Purpose 'to represent'.

Many people struggle with their personal demons every day.

Beaucoup de gens luttent contre leurs démons personnels chaque jour.

Verb 'struggle with'.

The demons of addiction are very hard to overcome.

Les démons de l'addiction sont très difficiles à surmonter.

Noun phrase 'demons of [noun]'.

She felt like she was being haunted by the demons of her past.

Elle avait l'impression d'être hantée par les démons de son passé.

Passive voice 'being haunted'.

To be a great athlete, you must conquer your demons.

Pour être un grand athlète, vous devez vaincre vos démons.

Modal 'must'.

The movie explores the demons that live inside all of us.

Le film explore les démons qui vivent en chacun de nous.

Relative clause 'that live...'.

He spoke openly about the demons he faced during the war.

Il a parlé ouvertement des démons auxquels il a fait face pendant la guerre.

Relative clause with omitted 'that'.

The protagonist's journey is a literal battle against demons and a metaphorical one against his own flaws.

Le voyage du protagoniste est une bataille littérale contre les démons et une bataille métaphorique contre ses propres défauts.

Parallel structure.

By winning the tournament, the team managed to exorcise the demons of their previous failures.

En gagnant le tournoi, l'équipe a réussi à exorciser les démons de ses échecs précédents.

Gerund phrase 'By winning'.

The poem describes the demons that lurk in the corners of the mind.

Le poème décrit les démons qui se cachent dans les coins de l'esprit.

Verb 'lurk'.

It takes a lot of courage to admit that you have demons to deal with.

Il faut beaucoup de courage pour admettre que l'on a des démons à gérer.

Infinitive 'to admit'.

The ancient ruins were believed to be infested with malevolent demons.

On croyait que les ruines antiques étaient infestées de démons malveillants.

Passive 'were believed to be'.

His art was a way for him to release the demons that tormented him.

Son art était pour lui un moyen de libérer les démons qui le tourmentaient.

Verb 'tormented'.

The demons of greed can destroy even the strongest of friendships.

Les démons de l'avidité peuvent détruire même les amitiés les plus solides.

Modal 'can'.

She was wrestling with the demons of doubt as she prepared for her speech.

Elle luttait contre les démons du doute alors qu'elle préparait son discours.

Past continuous 'was wrestling'.

The theological debate centered on whether demons were physical entities or purely spiritual manifestations of evil.

Le débat théologique portait sur la question de savoir si les démons étaient des entités physiques ou de pures manifestations spirituelles du mal.

Whether... or structure.

The novel is a harrowing account of a man's descent into madness, plagued by the demons of his own creation.

Le roman est le récit poignant de la descente d'un homme dans la folie, tourmenté par les démons de sa propre création.

Participle phrase 'plagued by'.

In many cultures, demons are seen as the necessary shadow to the light of the divine.

Dans de nombreuses cultures, les démons sont considérés comme l'ombre nécessaire à la lumière du divin.

Passive 'are seen as'.

The politician's career was ultimately derailed by the demons of his scandalous past.

La carrière du politicien a finalement été déraillée par les démons de son passé scandaleux.

Adverb 'ultimately'.

Nietzsche's concept of the demon in 'The Gay Science' serves as a profound psychological test.

Le concept du démon de Nietzsche dans 'Le Gai Savoir' sert de test psychologique profond.

Possessive 'Nietzsche's'.

The film's use of practical effects made the demons appear far more terrifying than CGI ever could.

L'utilisation d'effets spéciaux pratiques dans le film a rendu les démons bien plus terrifiants que l'imagerie de synthèse ne le pourrait jamais.

Comparative 'far more... than'.

To truly understand the culture, one must examine the demons it fears as much as the gods it worships.

Pour vraiment comprendre la culture, il faut examiner les démons qu'elle craint autant que les dieux qu'elle adore.

As much as comparison.

The composer claimed that the demons of his insomnia were the source of his most haunting melodies.

Le compositeur affirmait que les démons de son insomnie étaient la source de ses mélodies les plus obsédantes.

Reported speech 'claimed that'.

The internal landscape of the poem is populated by demons that serve as allegories for the destructive impulses of the modern age.

Le paysage interne du poème est peuplé de démons qui servent d'allégories aux impulsions destructrices de l'ère moderne.

Passive 'is populated by'.

The sheer tenacity of his personal demons suggests a trauma that remains unresolved despite years of intervention.

La ténacité pure de ses démons personnels suggère un traumatisme qui reste non résolu malgré des années d'intervention.

Subject 'tenacity' (singular) with verb 'suggests'.

By personifying his fears as demons, the author creates a visceral sense of conflict that resonates with the reader's own anxieties.

En personnifiant ses peurs sous forme de démons, l'auteur crée un sentiment de conflit viscéral qui résonne avec les propres angoisses du lecteur.

Gerund phrase 'By personifying'.

The exorcism of these cultural demons is a prerequisite for any meaningful social progress.

L'exorcisme de ces démons culturels est une condition préalable à tout progrès social significatif.

Noun 'exorcism' as subject.

The demons of the subconscious are not easily banished by the light of reason alone.

Les démons du subconscient ne sont pas facilement bannis par la seule lumière de la raison.

Passive 'are not easily banished'.

The intricate demonology of the 14th century reflects a society deeply preoccupied with the tangible presence of evil.

La démonologie complexe du XIVe siècle reflète une société profondément préoccupée par la présence tangible du mal.

Noun 'demonology'.

He spoke of his demons with a detached clinical precision that was more unsettling than any emotional outburst.

Il parlait de ses démons avec une précision clinique détachée qui était plus troublante que n'importe quel éclat émotionnel.

Comparative 'more... than'.

The haunting beauty of the ruins lies in the way they seem to harbor the demons of a forgotten civilization.

La beauté obsédante des ruines réside dans la manière dont elles semblent abriter les démons d'une civilisation oubliée.

Verb 'harbor'.

자주 쓰는 조합

inner demons

personal demons

battle demons

exorcise demons

demons of the past

face your demons

wrestle with demons

malevolent demons

demons of addiction

conquer your demons

자주 쓰는 구문

Facing one's demons

— Confronting your personal problems or fears directly instead of avoiding them.

After years of avoidance, he is finally facing his demons in therapy.

Inner demons

— Private psychological struggles or negative character traits.

Her inner demons made it difficult for her to trust anyone.

Exorcising your demons

— Getting rid of bad memories or negative influences, often through a creative or therapeutic process.

The artist used his paintings as a way of exorcising his demons.

Wrestling with demons

— Struggling intensely with a difficult decision or a bad habit.

He was wrestling with the demons of his conscience all night.

Demons of the past

— Bad memories or mistakes from long ago that still affect you today.

The old man was still haunted by the demons of the past.

A demon for work

— Someone who works extremely hard and with great energy (idiomatic/slang).

She’s a real demon for work; she never leaves the office before 8 PM.

Like a demon

— Doing something with incredible speed, power, or intensity.

He drove like a demon to get to the hospital on time.

The demons of [something]

— The specific negative aspects or consequences of a situation.

The demons of war left a lasting scar on the country.

Driven by demons

— Motivated by pain, trauma, or a dark obsession.

The inventor was driven by his demons to create something world-changing.

Silence the demons

— To stop negative thoughts or the influence of past trauma.

He found that meditation helped him silence the demons in his head.

자주 혼동되는 단어

demons vs daemons

Pronounced the same, but 'daemons' is usually for computer processes or specific fantasy settings.

demons vs ghosts

Ghosts are spirits of dead people; demons are inherently evil supernatural beings.

demons vs devils

Often the same, but 'Devil' (capital D) usually refers to one specific leader (Satan).

관용어 및 표현

"Better the devil you know (than the demons you don't)"

— It is often better to deal with a difficult person or situation you are familiar with than to risk a new one that could be worse.

I'll stay at this job; better the devil you know than the demons you don't.

informal

"To have demons in one's closet"

— To have dark secrets or past problems that one is hiding.

Every politician has a few demons in their closet.

informal

"To fight like a demon"

— To fight with incredible ferocity and strength.

The small dog fought like a demon to protect its owner.

neutral

"To be a demon for punishment"

— To be someone who consistently takes on difficult or painful tasks.

He's a demon for punishment, always signing up for the hardest marathons.

informal

"To summon your demons"

— To bring up your worst traits or memories, often unintentionally.

Drinking too much always seems to summon his demons.

metaphorical

"To dance with demons"

— To engage in dangerous or self-destructive behavior.

He was dancing with demons when he started hanging out with that gang.

literary

"To feed your demons"

— To do things that make your personal problems or addictions worse.

Isolating yourself only serves to feed your demons.

metaphorical

"To outrun your demons"

— To try to escape your past or your problems by moving away or staying busy.

He moved to a new city, trying to outrun his demons.

metaphorical

"To unleash the demons"

— To cause a lot of trouble or to let out very negative emotions.

The court's decision unleashed the demons of civil unrest.

dramatic

"To be possessed by demons"

— Literally, to be controlled by evil spirits; metaphorically, to act in a way that is totally out of character and destructive.

He acted as if he were possessed by demons during the argument.

neutral/dramatic

혼동하기 쉬운

demons vs diamonds

Similar spelling/sound for beginners.

Diamonds are precious stones; demons are evil spirits.

She wore diamonds, but she fought demons.

demons vs demands

Similar sound.

Demands are things you ask for forcefully; demons are spirits.

The boss's demands were like demons to him.

demons vs domains

Similar spelling.

Domains are areas of control or websites; demons are spirits.

He controlled many domains but couldn't control his demons.

demons vs daemons

Homophones.

Daemons are background computer tasks; demons are evil spirits.

The server has three daemons running.

demons vs demure

Starts with 'dem-'.

Demure means shy or modest; demons are evil spirits.

She was demure, but she had inner demons.

문장 패턴

The [noun] is a demon.

The monster is a demon.

I don't like [noun].

I don't like demons.

[Subject] is fighting [possessive] inner demons.

He is fighting his inner demons.

[Subject] must face the demons of [noun].

She must face the demons of her past.

The [noun] served to exorcise the demons of [noun].

The victory served to exorcise the demons of their previous defeat.

Plagued by the demons of [noun], [subject] [verb].

Plagued by the demons of addiction, the artist struggled to create.

It is hard to battle [possessive] demons.

It is hard to battle your demons.

The [noun] was haunted by [adjective] demons.

The house was haunted by ancient demons.

어휘 가족

명사

demon (singular)

demonology (the study of demons)

demoniac (a person possessed)

demonization (the act of making someone look evil)

동사

demonize (to portray as evil)

demonise (UK spelling)

형용사

demonic (like a demon; evil)

demoniacal (relating to demons)

demon-possessed

사용법

frequency

Common in literature, media, and mental health discussions.

자주 하는 실수

I need to exercise my demons. → I need to exorcise my demons.
Exercise is for the gym; exorcise is for removing spirits or bad memories.
He is fighting his inner demon. → He is fighting his inner demons.
The idiom is almost always plural because psychological struggles are rarely just one thing.
The movie was about scary daemons. → The movie was about scary demons.
'Daemon' is a specialized spelling for computing or specific fantasy books. 'Demon' is the standard word.
I have demons of a headache. → I have a terrible headache.
'Demons' is too strong for a simple physical pain. It should be used for deep emotional or spiritual struggles.
The demons of the past haunts him. → The demons of the past haunt him.
'Demons' is plural, so the verb must be 'haunt' (no 's').

팁

Use for Intensity

Save 'demons' for high-stakes emotional or supernatural situations. Using it for minor things like 'the demons of my messy room' makes it lose its power.

Plurality Matters

Remember that 'inner demons' is almost always plural. It suggests that personal struggles are complex and have many parts.

Exorcise vs Exercise

Be very careful with the spelling. You 'exorcise' (remove) demons. This is a very common spelling mistake even for native speakers.

Cultural Awareness

In some cultures, demons are very real and scary. Be sensitive when using the word metaphorically around people from very religious backgrounds.

Personification

Use 'demons' to personify abstract feelings. It makes your writing more vivid. Instead of 'he felt guilty,' try 'he was haunted by the demons of his guilt.'

Speed Demon

Use 'speed demon' as a lighthearted way to describe someone who drives fast. It's one of the few non-serious ways to use the word.

Pair with Strong Verbs

Demons are active. Pair them with verbs like 'lurk,' 'haunt,' 'torment,' 'wrestle,' or 'conquer' to create a strong image.

Identify the Domain

When you hear 'demons,' quickly decide if the topic is mental health, a movie, or sports. This will tell you which meaning is being used.

The Voiced Z

Make sure the 's' at the end sounds like a 'z'. This is a small detail that makes your English sound much more natural.

Dark Emotions

Remember: D-Emons = Dark Emotions. This is the best way to remember the most common metaphorical use of the word.

암기하기

기억법

D-E-M-O-N-S: Dangerous Evil Monsters Often Nightly Scare. Or think of 'DE-mons' as 'DE-stroyers' of peace.

시각적 연상

Imagine a person standing in front of a mirror, and their reflection is a shadowy monster with horns. This helps link the 'inner' psychological meaning with the 'literal' monster meaning.

Word Web

Mythology Psychology Addiction Horror Inner Battle Exorcise Evil

챌린지

Write a short paragraph about a fictional character who is a 'demon' at a specific skill (like coding or sports) but is also fighting 'inner demons' from their past.

어원

The word 'demons' comes from the Ancient Greek word 'daimon,' which referred to a divinity, a tutelary spirit, or a person's fate. It did not originally have a negative or evil connotation. It entered Latin as 'daemon' and then Old French as 'demon.'

원래 의미: A spirit or divine power, often acting as a guardian or a source of inspiration.

Indo-European (Greek -> Latin -> French -> English).

문화적 맥락

Be careful when using 'demons' in a strictly religious setting, as some people take the existence of literal demons very seriously. In a secular context, it is usually understood as a metaphor.

In the US and UK, 'facing your demons' is a very common idiom used in self-help and recovery communities.

The song 'Demons' by Imagine Dragons. The book 'The Demons' (also translated as 'The Possessed') by Fyodor Dostoevsky. The video game series 'DOOM' where you fight literal demons.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Mental Health

facing my inner demons
battling personal demons
overcoming the demons of addiction
haunted by demons of the past

Horror/Fantasy Fiction

summoning demons
banishing demons
a legion of demons
malevolent demons

Sports/Competition

exorcising the demons of last year's loss
playing like a demon
facing the demons of self-doubt
silencing the demons

Religion/Mythology

possessed by demons
casting out demons
the hierarchy of demons
ancient demons

Daily Slang

a demon for work
drove like a demon
a demon on the court
speed demon

대화 시작하기

"Do you think most people have 'inner demons' they are fighting?"

"What is your favorite movie or book that features demons as characters?"

"Have you ever heard the phrase 'exorcising your demons' used in a non-religious way?"

"Why do you think we use the word 'demons' to describe psychological problems?"

"In your culture, are demons usually seen as literal beings or just stories?"

일기 주제

Write about a time you had to 'face your demons' (a fear or a bad habit). How did you do it?

If your 'inner demons' were literal monsters, what would they look like and what would their names be?

Discuss the difference between a 'ghost' and a 'demon' in a metaphorical sense. Which one is harder to deal with?

Reflect on a character from a book who was 'driven by their demons.' What was the outcome of their journey?

How does the concept of 'demons' change the way we talk about mental health compared to using medical terms?

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Generally no, but in slang, being a 'demon' at something (like 'a demon on the basketball court') means you are incredibly good and intense at it. This is a rare positive use.

They are almost identical. 'Inner demons' emphasizes that the struggle is inside your mind, while 'personal demons' emphasizes that the struggle belongs to you specifically.

It is always 'exorcise.' To 'exercise' means to work out; to 'exorcise' means to drive out an evil spirit or a bad memory.

No, you can have one 'demon.' However, the metaphorical phrase 'inner demons' is almost always used in the plural form.

Only if you are using it metaphorically to describe a very serious problem the company is facing from its past, but it is quite dramatic for a professional setting.

A 'speed demon' is someone who loves to drive or move very fast. It is a common, non-scary idiom.

It has religious origins, but today it is used widely in secular contexts, especially in psychology and entertainment.

Common adjectives include 'inner,' 'personal,' 'malevolent,' 'ancient,' 'hellish,' and 'insidious.'

Metaphorically, yes. You might call a very cruel person a 'demon,' but it is more common to call them a 'devil' or a 'monster.'

It means to stop running away from your problems and to finally deal with them, often through therapy, honesty, or hard work.

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