imp
12 synonyms and 1 antonym for imp, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A small, mischievous supernatural creature, like a minor demon.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use imp
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
little imp
mischievous imp
Etymology
From Old English impian, "to graft" (originally referring to grafting a plant shoot), later coming to mean a child or offspring, and eventually a mischievous small creature.
Full origin of imp →Frequently asked questions
What does “imp” mean?
The word “imp” means a small, mischievous supernatural creature, like a minor demon. In plain terms, a small troublemaking creature or child — mischievous rather than truly evil.
How do you pronounce “imp”?
“Imp” is pronounced ihmp (/ɪmp/ in IPA).
How do you use “imp” in a sentence?
Here is “imp” used in a sentence: “The story's villain was a cackling imp with tiny horns.”
What part of speech is “imp”?
“Imp” is a noun.
Where does the word “imp” come from?
The word “imp” comes from Old English. From Old English impian, "to graft" (originally referring to grafting a plant shoot), later coming to mean a child or offspring, and eventually a mischievous small creature.
Is “imp” a common word?
“Imp” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “imp” have?
“Imp” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small, mischievous supernatural creature, like a minor demon.
