depth of evil

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "depth of evil" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the extent or intensity of malevolent actions or characteristics. Example: "The novel explores the depth of evil that can reside within a seemingly ordinary person."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It is hard enough as an adult to confront and try to understand this depth of evil, and some voices, from celebrities to newspapers to our own Vice President, are saying that prayers are not enough.

Huffington Post

Just as TSA security officials in 2001 could not comprehend the depth of evil in the men who presented themselves at several small airports to clear security on their way to meet up for flights in Boston, Newark, and Washington, D.C., the same sort of thing occurred in Honolulu.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

There are more hints that the depths of evil lie within Cara Delevingne's Enchantress (her first line, "Let's do something fun", drips menace) as Will Smith gives this fast-paced film his best shot, quite literally, as assassin Deadshot.

Independent

But the story that unfurls is an inversion of the Christian Gospel: The Chosen One does not save others but falls into the depths of evil, power and anger by following a false model (the Emperor) who in a sense personifies evil ("Satan").

The Washington Post

So, if you dare to make a thrilling descent into the depths of evil, clear your schedule and crack open The Never List.

Huffington Post

I, like many other Americans in disbelief at the depths of evil displayed during this race, can't simply will myself to begin embracing Trump and his supporters with love and acceptance.

Huffington Post

And somewhere else, maybe tomorrow, another woman will miss the depth charge of evil sinking to the bottom of her drink.

Huffington Post

But if your venture into the depths of human evil motivates you to resist evil in the real world or educate others about how to resist it, it's a productive even virtuous use of your time.

University of California, Berkeley

According to Stanford psychologist Philip Zimbardo, an in-depth, nuanced knowledge of evil can actually be a virtue such knowledge helps us identify evil more readily and resist it when necessary.

University of California, Berkeley

How would these children handle this new and unwanted knowledge of trauma, the reality of evil, the depth of grief, nagging fears and deep sadness?

Huffington Post

This great intellectual effort, under the auspices of the Royal Institute of International Affairs, has taken more than 25 years to complete, and has produced the most sparkling gem of modern Sinology.Perhaps it is the depth of the despair and evil in China during the 1960s and 1970s more than 30m died in the great leap forward that inspired Mr MacFarquhar to rise to the challenge.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "depth of evil", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Is it the extent of the harm, the intensity of the malice, or the unfathomable nature of the actions?

Common error

Avoid using "depth of evil" in trivial situations. This phrase carries significant weight and is best reserved for scenarios involving profound moral transgressions or extreme wickedness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "depth of evil" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes the extent or intensity of wickedness. It is used to express the profoundness or extremity of malevolent actions or characteristics, as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "depth of evil" is a noun phrase used to convey the profound extent or intensity of wickedness. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and suitable for written English. While grammatically sound, its usage is relatively rare and most appropriate in neutral to formal contexts such as news, academic discussions, or literary analysis. When using this phrase, consider the specific nuance you wish to express – is it the extent of harm, the intensity of malice, or the unfathomable nature of the actions? Alternatives like "extent of depravity" or "profound malevolence" may be considered for varied emphasis. Avoid overusing "depth of evil" in casual settings to maintain its impact and appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extent of depravity

Focuses on the moral corruption and degradation involved.

degree of wickedness

Highlights the level or measure of evil actions or intentions.

profound malevolence

Emphasizes the deep-seated and intense ill will.

abyssal wickedness

Uses 'abyssal' to suggest an immeasurable and terrifying depth of evil.

unfathomable evil

Suggests that the evil is so great it cannot be fully understood.

extreme immorality

Highlights the severe departure from accepted moral standards.

radical sinfulness

Focuses on the fundamental and far-reaching nature of the evil as a form of sin.

utter corruption

Emphasizes the complete and irreversible decay of moral character.

bottomless pit of iniquity

Uses a metaphorical image to convey the endless and inescapable nature of evil.

limitless malice

Focuses on the unbounded and unrestricted nature of the evil intent.

FAQs

How can "depth of evil" be used in a sentence?

You can use "depth of evil" to describe the extent or intensity of malevolent actions or characteristics. For example, "The novel explores the "depth of evil" that can reside within a seemingly ordinary person."

What are some synonyms for "depth of evil"?

Alternatives include "extent of depravity", "profound malevolence", or "extreme immorality", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "depth of evil" in everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "depth of evil" is a strong phrase best reserved for serious discussions or writing where the severity of actions or character is being emphasized. Lighter contexts may call for less intense vocabulary.

How does "depth of evil" differ from "act of evil"?

"Depth of evil" refers to the extent or degree of wickedness, whereas "act of evil" simply refers to a specific instance of wrongdoing. The former suggests a more profound and pervasive level of malevolence.