mischief

Meanings

1. 1noununcountable

   Playful behavior that causes minor trouble, annoyance, or harm without serious intent.

   Grammar: Uncountable when referring to the behavior; no plural.

   Patterns

   • cause mischief
   • get into mischief
   • be up to mischief

   The children were up to mischief in the backyard.

   He got into mischief by hiding his sister's toys.

   Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she planned a prank.

2. 2nouncountable

   A specific playful or naughty act, often one that causes minor trouble.

   Grammar: Countable when referring to a particular act; often used in the plural.

   Patterns

   • a mischief
   • mischiefs

   The teacher ignored the little mischiefs of the class.

   Stealing the sign was just a mischief, but it still broke the law.

Word forms

Common combinations

make mischief

He likes to make mischief by spreading rumors.

cause mischief

The new puppy caused mischief by chewing the shoes.

up to mischief

The kids are quiet; they must be up to mischief.

get into mischief

Without supervision, the toddlers quickly got into mischief.

a glint of mischief

There was a glint of mischief in her smile.

Synonyms and how they differ

naughtiness

Similar but often used for children's behavior; mischief can also suggest playful fun.

prank

A specific trick or practical joke, while mischief is the general behavior or a minor act.

trouble

Broader and can be serious; mischief is usually light-hearted and not harmful.

Opposites

Word family

mischievous adjective

Playfully causing trouble or annoyance.

mischievously adverb

In a playful, slightly naughty way.

Commonly confused: mischief or mischievous?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “mischief”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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