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mischievous

adjective

/mɪstʃɪvəs/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of mischievous

Inclined to engage in playful, often harmless, but sometimes mildly troublesome or naughty behavior.
"Her mischievous grin was a clear sign that she was up to something."

Detailed meaning of mischievous

It denotes a sense of lighthearted mischief or a tendency to cause playful trouble or pranks. A mischievous person may enjoy teasing or playing practical jokes, but their intentions are usually not malicious or harmful. This adjective implies a sense of spontaneity, energy, and a mischievous twinkle in the eye. It is often used to describe children who display a spirited, cheeky, and slightly rebellious nature. Overall, "mischievous" conveys a sense of playful mischief that adds a lively and adventurous element to one's character or actions.

Example sentences containing mischievous

1. The mischievous cat knocked over the vase, spilling flowers and water everywhere.
2. "Stop being so mischievous!" mom scolded, finding crayon marks on the walls.
3. Mischievous kids snuck into the garden, stealing ripe, juicy strawberries.
4. She had a mischievous grin, evidence of the prank she’d successfully pulled off.
5. A mischievous sparkle in her eyes, she hid her brother's favorite toy again.
6. The mischievous puppy, with shoes in its mouth, ran through the house wildly.

History and etymology of mischievous

The adjective 'mischievous' shares its etymological roots with the noun 'mischief.' It derives from the Old French term 'meschevous,' which is a combination of 'mes,' meaning 'wrong,' and 'chevous,' derived from 'cheveus,' meaning 'head' or 'end.' This combination suggests a sense of wrongdoing or harm associated with one's actions or disposition. Over time, 'mischievous' came to describe individuals or behaviors that were inclined to engage in playful, often harmless, but sometimes mildly troublesome or naughty activities. The etymology of 'mischievous' retains the notion of a potential for trouble or harm, even if the actions are generally seen as playful or mischievous rather than truly malicious.

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Further usage examples of mischievous

1. Elves are often depicted as mischievous, playing tricks on unsuspecting folks.
2. That mischievous smile of his told me he'd put a whoopee cushion on my chair.
3. As a child, Harry was mischievous, always inventing new pranks to play.
4. Despite the nun’s stern look, mischievous orphans continued their antics.
5. Halloween brings out a mischievous spirit, with tricks as treats’ counterpart.
6. Fairies, mischievous and whimsical, danced around the deep, dark woods at night.
7. Tom's mischievous nature led to endless adventures and a few close calls.
8. Mischievous students swapped the signs, directing visitors to the wrong rooms.
9. The mischievous winds blew the hat away, making the chase a public spectacle.
10. With mischievous intent, she set the clock ahead to confuse her sleepy brother.
11. Mischievous laughter echoed through the halls after the prank was discovered.
12. Their mischievous acts during summer break became legendary in the small town.
13. A mischievous plan brewed in her mind as April Fools' Day was approaching.
14. Spirits, mischievous yet harmless, caused items to vanish and reappear oddly.
15. The mischievous cat knocked over the vase and pretended to be asleep.
16. The children’s mischievous behavior escalated as they found more ways to prank each other.
17. The mischievous gleam in his eye told me he was about to crack a joke.
18. Pixies and fairies are often depicted as mischievous creatures in folklore.
19. The babysitter struggled to keep up with the mischievous twins as they ran around the house.
20. She has a mischievous spirit that makes every day an adventure.
21. The mischievous puppy stole my sock and darted around the yard.
22. Her mischievous antics on April Fool's Day left everyone in the office laughing.
23. The mischievous breeze played with her hair, constantly tossing it in front of her face.
24. The protagonist in the story is a mischievous young inventor with a penchant for trouble.
25. Despite his age, the grandfather retained a mischievous sense of humor that endeared him to all.