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Question about capitalization
Posted: 27 May 2024, 22:09
by Alissa Nesson
Hello friends, I have a question about whether you would consider it an error if someone capitalizes the “D” in “Devil” when referring to the actual Devil from the Bible.
I have been all over the internet about this and I have found places that say it’s always capitalized and I’ve found other places that say it’s never capitalized. I came across one page asking why the Bible only capitalizes Devil in certain books of the Bible. The author of the book I reviewed writes it with the capitalization in his story. I’m currently arguing about it. The editor for my review says that it’s never capitalized, even after I sent a link to a page that says it is. I’ve asked the admin to weigh in. The title of the Devil should have the capitalization because it’s a title and not a common noun like in “the little devils” or something like that. I don’t know what to expect to hear back at this point, but I am interested in what you all think about this. Thanks!
Alissa
Re: Question about capitalization
Posted: 28 May 2024, 08:34
by Shirley Ann Riddern Labzentis
In my opinion, and I'm far from being an expert, I would capitalize Devil as I would capitalize God.
Re: Question about capitalization
Posted: 28 May 2024, 08:57
by Alissa Nesson
Shirley Ann Riddern Labzentis wrote: ↑28 May 2024, 08:34
In my opinion, and I'm far from being an expert, I would capitalize Devil as I would capitalize God.
Thanks, Shirley!
Re: Question about capitalization
Posted: 28 May 2024, 12:22
by Ludovica Peruzzi
Regardless of whether it's usually capitalized or not, I feel like if the book you're reviewing capitalizes it then it only makes sense for you to capitalize it in your review, as well.
Re: Question about capitalization
Posted: 28 May 2024, 13:05
by Alissa Nesson
Ludovica Peruzzi wrote: ↑28 May 2024, 12:22
Regardless of whether it's usually capitalized or not, I feel like if the book you're reviewing capitalizes it then it only makes sense for you to capitalize it in your review, as well.
You would think! Thanks!
Re: Question about capitalization
Posted: 28 May 2024, 14:30
by Diana Lowery
I hope the admins weigh in favorably.
Re: Question about capitalization
Posted: 28 May 2024, 14:35
by Alissa Nesson
Diana Lowery wrote: ↑28 May 2024, 14:30
I hope the admins weigh in favorably.
Thank you! Me too!
Re: Question about capitalization
Posted: 29 May 2024, 08:51
by Gerry Steen
Alissa Nesson wrote: ↑27 May 2024, 22:09
Hello friends, I have a question about whether you would consider it an error if someone capitalizes the “D” in “Devil” when referring to the actual Devil from the Bible.
I have been all over the internet about this and I have found places that say it’s always capitalized and I’ve found other places that say it’s never capitalized. I came across one page asking why the Bible only capitalizes Devil in certain books of the Bible. The author of the book I reviewed writes it with the capitalization in his story. I’m currently arguing about it. The editor for my review says that it’s never capitalized, even after I sent a link to a page that says it is. I’ve asked the admin to weigh in. The title of the Devil should have the capitalization because it’s a title and not a common noun like in “the little devils” or something like that. I don’t know what to expect to hear back at this point, but I am interested in what you all think about this. Thanks!
Alissa
Hi, Alissa. In the Collins English dictionary, third edition updated 1994 it is written regarding devil- "n.1. Theol. (often cap.)".
I understand this to mean that in theology the word devil is often capitalized. Sometimes a dictionary can solve these squabbles. If you have another dictionary, check and see what it says and let me know if it says the same thing. Have a fabulous day!

Re: Question about capitalization
Posted: 29 May 2024, 09:07
by Alissa Nesson
Gerry Steen wrote: ↑29 May 2024, 08:51
Alissa Nesson wrote: ↑27 May 2024, 22:09
Hello friends, I have a question about whether you would consider it an error if someone capitalizes the “D” in “Devil” when referring to the actual Devil from the Bible.
I have been all over the internet about this and I have found places that say it’s always capitalized and I’ve found other places that say it’s never capitalized. I came across one page asking why the Bible only capitalizes Devil in certain books of the Bible. The author of the book I reviewed writes it with the capitalization in his story. I’m currently arguing about it. The editor for my review says that it’s never capitalized, even after I sent a link to a page that says it is. I’ve asked the admin to weigh in. The title of the Devil should have the capitalization because it’s a title and not a common noun like in “the little devils” or something like that. I don’t know what to expect to hear back at this point, but I am interested in what you all think about this. Thanks!
Alissa
Hi, Alissa. In the Collins English dictionary, third edition updated 1994 it is written regarding devil- "n.1. Theol. (often cap.)".
I understand this to mean that in theology the word devil is often capitalized. Sometimes a dictionary can solve these squabbles. If you have another dictionary, check and see what it says and let me know if it says the same thing. Have a fabulous day!
Thank you, Gerry! There’s nothing more I can do now but wait, but I appreciate the suggestion for next time.
