mischievous

Everyday

1. Liking to play tricks and cause small trouble in a playful way: a mischievous puppy. tree →
2. Showing that someone is planning a trick: a mischievous grin. tree →
3. (formal) Meant to cause harm or trouble: a mischievous rumour. tree →

In the lessons

In stories a mischievous character (an elf, a kitten, a little brother) is naughty but often lovable. A «mischievous smile» tells the reader a trick is coming. In news, «mischievous» can mean spiteful. Phrases: mischievous grin, mischievous twinkle.

Examples

• The mischievous kitten knocked the cup off the table. tree →
• He gave a mischievous grin and hid my shoe. tree →
• My little sister is very mischievous. tree →
• The mischievous elf swapped everyone's hats. tree →
• Monkeys can be mischievous and steal food. tree →
• There was a mischievous twinkle in Grandad's eye. tree →
• Someone spread a mischievous rumour about the school closing. tree →

Note

Say it in three syllables: MIS-chi-vus. A very common mistake is to say or write «mischievious» — there is no extra «i». Noun: mischief.

In Jewish tradition

Here it means harmful and wicked, not playful. A mischievous person plans evil and spreads trouble with words.

Interpretation. Proverbs is read as warning that harmful speech is a serious wrong. Tradition forbids gossip and slander.

Examples

• He that deviseth to do evil, men shall call him a mischievous person. (Writings PRO.24.8, JPS 1917) tree →
• A evil-doer giveth heed to wicked lips; and a liar giveth ear to a mischievous tongue. (Writings PRO.17.4, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Say it in three syllables: MIS-chi-vus. A very common mistake is to say or write «mischievious» — there is no extra «i». Noun: mischief.