Mischievous vs. Mischievious — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 26, 2023
Mischievous is the correct spelling meaning causing mischief. Mischievious is an incorrect variant.
Difference Between Mischievous and Mischievious
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Key Differences
Mischievous is a legitimate English word often used to describe a person, especially a child, who is playful in a naughty or troublesome way. It is derived from the noun "mischief," which means behavior or action that can cause minor harm or annoyance. On the other hand, Mischievious is not recognized in standard English dictionaries. It's a common misspelling of "mischievous."
Mischievous is an adjective that carries connotations of playfulness with a slight hint of harm. For instance, someone might describe a child who playfully hides a sibling's toy as mischievous. Mischievious, however, is a non-standard variation of the word, perhaps emerging as a result of mispronunciation or miswriting. It doesn’t hold any distinct meaning from "mischievous."
In literature, media, and everyday conversation, "mischievous" is the accepted form you'll encounter. It is used to characterize actions, behaviors, or personalities that are teasingly troublesome. Mischievious, despite being an erroneous version, sometimes pops up in informal communications, but it's essential to remember it's not the accurate form of the word.
Using "mischievous" demonstrates a correct understanding and usage of the English language. Mischievious, while understood by many because of its similarity, might be viewed as a mistake and could undermine the credibility of the writer or speaker. Both words, at their core, point to the same idea, but only "mischievous" does so correctly.
Comparison Chart
Spelling
Correct spelling
Incorrect variant
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Dictionary Status
Recognized in standard English dictionaries
Not recognized
Meaning
Describes causing minor harm or annoyance
Doesn't hold a distinct meaning
Usage
Common in literature and media
Rare, mostly in informal communication
Credibility
Demonstrates correct English
Might undermine writer's credibility
Compare with Definitions
Mischievous
Playfully naughty or teasing.
His mischievous grin hinted at a prank.
Mischievious
(Incorrect usage) Engaging in mischievous actions.
With a mischievious laugh, she unveiled her prank.
Mischievous
Playfully causing minor annoyance or harm.
The mischievous child hid her mom's shoes.
Mischievious
(Incorrect usage) Playfully naughty behavior.
Her mischievious antics always lightened up the room.
Mischievous
Engaging in or indicative of playful mischief.
With a mischievous twinkle in his eyes, he splashed water at her.
Mischievious
(Incorrect usage) Playfully causing minor annoyance.
The mischievious boy kept tying people's shoelaces together.
Mischievous
Marked by a desire to create minor trouble.
Her mischievous nature was always evident at family gatherings.
Mischievious
(Incorrect usage) Inclination to make playful trouble.
The mischievious puppy was always finding new places to hide.
Mischievous
Causing or showing a fondness for causing trouble in a playful way
Mischievous children
A mischievous grin
Mischievious
(Incorrect usage) Desire to create light-hearted trouble.
His mischievious ways often landed him in comedic situations.
Mischievous
(of an action or statement) causing or intended to cause harm or trouble
A mischievous allegation for which there is not a shred of evidence
Mischievious
Alternative form of mischievous}} and {{en
Mischievous
Causing mischief.
Mischievous
Playful in a naughty or teasing way.
Mischievous
Troublesome; irritating
A mischievous prank.
Mischievous
Causing harm, injury, or damage
Mischievous rumors and falsehoods.
Mischievous
Causing mischief; injurious.
Mischievous
Troublesome, cheeky, badly behaved.
Matthew had a twin brother called Edward, who was always mischievous and badly behaved.
Mischievous
Causing mischief; harmful; hurtful; - now often applied where the evil is done carelessly or in sport; as, a mischievous child.
This false, wily, doubling disposition is intolerably mischievous to society.
Mischievous
Naughtily or annoyingly playful;
Teasing and worrying with impish laughter
Mischievous
Badly behaved;
He was saucy and mischievous in school
A naughty boy
Mischievous
Deliberately causing harm or damage;
Mischievous rumors and falsehoods
Mischievous
Inclined to make playful trouble.
The mischievous kittens knocked over the vase.
Common Curiosities
Why do people use "mischievious"?
It's likely a result of mispronunciation or miswriting.
Is "mischievious" recognized in dictionaries?
No, standard English dictionaries recognize "mischievous."
Can "mischievious" be used in formal writing?
It's best to avoid it and use "mischievous" in formal contexts.
Are the meanings of "mischievous" and "mischievious" different?
No, "mischievious" is just an incorrect form of "mischievous."
Is "mischievious" the correct spelling?
No, the correct spelling is "mischievous."
What does "mischievous" mean?
Mischievous describes someone causing minor harm or annoyance playfully.
Are there other common misspellings of "mischievous"?
"Mischievious" is the most common, but always refer to a dictionary for correct spellings.
Why is the pronunciation confusing?
People sometimes add an extra "i", leading to the "mischievious" mistake.
Why is "mischievous" commonly used?
Because it's the correct form to describe playfully troublesome behavior.
What's the origin of "mischievous"?
It's derived from the noun "mischief."
How can I remember the correct spelling?
Focus on the root word, "mischief," and add "ous."
How is "mischievous" pronounced?
It's pronounced mis-CHIV-us.
Can "mischievious" be considered a dialect or regional variant?
No, it's generally viewed as an error in English.
Are there synonyms for "mischievous"?
Yes, some include "playful," "naughty," and "prankish."
How should I react if someone uses "mischievious"?
Politely inform them of the correct form, "mischievous."
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
