Divine vs. Devine – Which is Correct?
Divine is the correct spelling, referring to something excellent, holy, or godlike. “Devine” is a common misspelling and should be avoided in all contexts. Always use “divine” to ensure clarity and accuracy in your written communication, whether describing a celestial being or a superb experience.
Divine or Devine – Which is Correct?
The distinction between “divine” and “devine” is straightforward: “divine” is the only correct spelling in standard English. “Devine” is a common misspelling, often arising from phonetic confusion. The ‘i’ and ‘e’ sounds can be easily swapped in rapid speech or typing, leading to this frequent error. While “Devine” can exist as a proper noun (a surname), it is never the correct spelling for the adjective, noun, or verb related to godliness or excellence.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divine | Adjective, Noun, Verb | (Adj) Of, from, or like God or a god; excellent, delightful. (N) A clergyman or theologian. (V) Discover through intuition or supernatural means. | The choir sang with divine harmony. She claims she can divine the future. |
| Devine | Incorrect Spelling | No standard meaning in English (except as a proper noun/surname). | Incorrect: “The meal was absolutely devine.” (Should be ‘divine’) |
How to Use Divine
“Divine” is a versatile word, primarily used as an adjective to describe something holy, sacred, or emanating from God. It also frequently describes something of supreme excellence, beauty, or pleasure. In a more formal or archaic sense, it can be a noun referring to a theologian or a verb meaning to discover or infer, often through intuition or supernatural insight.
Example 1 (Adjective – Holy): The ancient texts spoke of a divine presence guiding humanity.
Example 2 (Adjective – Excellent): The chef prepared a truly divine dessert that everyone enjoyed.
Example 3 (Verb): She tried to divine the meaning of the cryptic message.
What are the different forms of Divine?
As an adjective, “divine” does not have comparative or superlative forms in the traditional sense when referring to sacredness, but it can be used with adverbs like “more divine” or “most divine” when describing excellence or beauty. As a verb, it follows regular conjugation rules:
- Adjective: divine (e.g., a divine plan)
- Noun: divine (a clergyman), divineness (the quality of being divine), divinity (the state or quality of being divine; a god or goddess)
- Verb: divine (base form), divines (third person singular present), divining (present participle), divined (past tense/past participle)
Etymology of the word Divine
The word “divine” traces its origins back to the Latin word divinus, meaning “of a god, pertaining to a god.” This, in turn, comes from divus, meaning “a god.” It entered Old French as divin and then into Middle English, retaining its core meaning related to the sacred and the celestial. Over time, its usage expanded to encompass earthly excellence, suggesting qualities worthy of the gods.
Related Concepts
The confusion between “divine” and “devine” highlights a common linguistic phenomenon: phonetic misspellings. Many words are misspelled because their incorrect form sounds similar to the correct one. This often occurs with vowel combinations (like ‘i’ and ‘e’), silent letters, or double consonants. Mastering spelling requires not just knowing definitions but also paying close attention to the visual structure of words, often aided by proofreading and spell-checking tools.
Examples from Media and Literature
- “The divine comedy” is the title of Dante Alighieri’s epic poem, referring to its profound spiritual themes.
- In many fantasy novels, characters seek “divine intervention” from gods or powerful magical beings.
- A common phrase, “timing is divine,” is used to describe a perfectly opportune moment.
- From the hymn “Amazing Grace”: “How precious did that grace appear / The hour I first believed! / ‘Tis grace that brought me safe thus far, / And grace will lead me home.” (Though not explicitly “divine,” the theme of grace is often linked to divine favor).
- The film “Oh God!” features George Burns as God, often using the phrase “the divine plan” to explain his actions.
Divine Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Holy | Dedicated or consecrated to God or a religious purpose; sacred. |
| Sacred | Regarded with great respect and reverence by a particular religion, group, or individual. |
| Godly | Piously religious; conforming to the laws and wishes of God. |
| Heavenly | Of heaven or the heavens; supremely beautiful or delightful. |
| Sublime | Of such excellence, grandeur, or beauty as to inspire great admiration or awe. |
| Excellent | Extremely good; outstanding. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “Devine” ever a correct word?
“Devine” is not a correct spelling for the adjective, noun, or verb referring to godliness or excellence. However, it can be a proper noun, typically a surname (e.g., “Mr. Devine”). In general usage, always opt for “divine.”
Question 2: How can I remember the correct spelling of “divine”?
A helpful mnemonic is to remember that “divine” has “I” for “Important” or “Inspired” qualities. Also, connect it to related words like “divinity” or “divination,” which all share the ‘i-v-i’ sequence.
Question 3: Can “divine” be used in a casual context?
Yes, “divine” is often used casually to describe something excellent or highly pleasurable, such as “a divine meal” or “the weather is divine.” It adds a touch of emphasis or appreciation.
Conclusion
In the “divine or devine” debate, “divine” stands as the unequivocally correct spelling. “Devine” is a common misspelling that should be avoided in all standard written communication. Understanding the correct usage of “divine”—whether describing something sacred, supremely excellent, or the act of discerning—is crucial for clear and effective expression.
Pro Tip: Always double-check spellings that involve common vowel transpositions. A quick proofread or spell-check can prevent simple errors like “devine” from undermining your credibility and professional reputation.
