noun B1 Intermediate Uncommon

mischief

MIHS-cheef

Mischief (noun) means Playful behaviour that causes minor trouble or annoyance, without real malice. Example: “The twins were clearly up to mischief the moment they went quiet.”

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noun

Playful behaviour that causes minor trouble or annoyance, without real malice.

"The twins were clearly up to mischief the moment they went quiet."

"A glint of mischief flashed in her eyes before she hid his keys."

Harm or damage caused to someone or something.

"The storm did a fair amount of mischief to the roof."

How to use mischief

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHarmless troublemaking, or sometimes real damage.

Memory tip

When someone has "a mischievous look," it usually means playful trouble, not serious harm.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

get up to mischief a mischievous grin cause mischief

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Singular: mischiefs
Plural: mischiefs
Past tense: mischiefed

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The twins were clearly up to _____ the moment they went quiet.

Etymology

From Old French meschief, "misfortune," from mes- (\"badly\") + chever (\"to come to a head\"), ultimately tracing back to Latin caput, "head."

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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agitation annoyance corruption damage demolition destruction detriment disablement disruption evil harm ill

Antonyms

decorum gentility gentlemanliness seemliness sportsmanship probity propriety

Related words

good price hurt construction damage sick benefit evil

Rhymes for mischief

fief brief thief chief grief belief relief debrief kerchief disbelief handkerchief

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Frequently asked questions

What does “mischief” mean?

The word “mischief” means playful behaviour that causes minor trouble or annoyance, without real malice. In plain terms, harmless troublemaking, or sometimes real damage.

How do you pronounce “mischief”?

“Mischief” is pronounced MIHS-cheef (/ˈmɪs.t͡ʃɪf/ in IPA).

How do you use “mischief” in a sentence?

Here is “mischief” used in a sentence: “The twins were clearly up to mischief the moment they went quiet.”

What is another word for “mischief”?

Words with a similar meaning to “mischief” include agitation, annoyance, corruption, damage, demolition and destruction.

What is the opposite of “mischief”?

The opposite of “mischief” — its antonyms — are decorum, gentility, gentlemanliness, seemliness and sportsmanship.

What part of speech is “mischief”?

“Mischief” is a noun.

Where does the word “mischief” come from?

The word “mischief” comes from Latin. From Old French meschief, "misfortune," from mes- (\"badly\") + chever (\"to come to a head\"), ultimately tracing back to Latin caput, "head.".

Is “mischief” a common word?

“Mischief” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

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