Meaning & Definition of word "Mischievous"

Mischievous

/ˈmɪs.tʃə.vəs/

adjective:

  • 1. causing or showing a fondness for causing trouble in a playful way.
    • Example: The mischievous child hid his sister's toys just to see her reaction.
  • 2. playfully annoying or causing minor disruption.
    • Example: With a mischievous grin, she plotted her next prank on her friends.
  • 3. intended to cause harm or injury, often in a teasing or playful manner.
    • Example: His mischievous plan to scare the neighbors backfired when he got scared himself.
  • 4. having a tendency to make playful mischief.
    • Example: Their mischievous laughter filled the room as they planned their little adventure.
  • 5. mischievously playful; engaging in acts of mischief.
    • Example: The kitten's mischievous antics kept the whole family entertained.

Etymology

From Middle English 'mischievous', from Old French 'mescheveus', from 'meschever' ('to end badly')

Common Phrases and Expressions

mischievous grin:

A smile that suggests playful mischief.

mischievous intent:

An underlying purpose of causing trouble or annoyance.

mischievous eyes:

Eyes that sparkle with playful mischief.

Related Words

mischief:

Conduct that causes annoying or playful trouble.

impish:

Having a playful disposition that often involves mischief.

rascal:

A mischievous or cheeky person, often a child.

Slang Meanings of mischievous

Meaning: Trouble-maker

Example Sentence: He's a total trouble-maker in class.

Meaning: Prankster

Example Sentence: She's known as the prankster of the group.