Miscreant vs. Deviant — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 8, 2024
Miscreants engage in morally wrong or illegal acts, focusing on crime, whereas deviants depart from societal norms, often in broader behaviors.
Difference Between Miscreant and Deviant
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Miscreant typically refers to someone who behaves criminally or immorally, often linked to outright illegal activities. In contrast, a deviant is someone who diverges from accepted social norms, which may not necessarily involve criminality.
Miscreants are frequently discussed in legal contexts, highlighting their actions against societal laws. Deviants, on the other hand, are more about non-conformity that might defy cultural or ethical standards but isn't always unlawful.
Miscreant behavior usually incites a straightforward societal response, often punitive. Conversely, deviant behavior can lead to either negative sanctions or broader social discussions about norms and values.
Miscreants are clearly defined by their actions which are universally considered negative. However, deviants might be seen in a more ambiguous light, depending on cultural perceptions of their behaviors.
Miscreant actions are often tangible and cause direct harm or disruption. Whereas, deviant actions might include unconventional lifestyles or beliefs that challenge mainstream ideologies without direct harm.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Someone committing illegal or immoral acts.
Someone deviating from societal norms.
Legal implications
Often involved in criminal activities.
May not involve criminal activities.
Societal reaction
Generally punitive.
Can vary widely, often involves discussion.
Nature of behavior
Direct harm or disruption.
May challenge norms without direct harm.
Perception
Universally negative.
Often context-dependent and more ambiguous.
Compare with Definitions
Miscreant
A person who behaves criminally.
The miscreant was finally caught by the police.
Deviant
May refer to benign or harmful nonconformity.
She was known as a deviant for her unconventional lifestyle.
Miscreant
A term synonymous with delinquents in certain contexts.
Miscreants loitering in the area were apprehended.
Deviant
Subject to cultural and social context.
What is considered deviant behavior varies greatly across cultures.
Miscreant
Someone involved in immoral conduct.
The miscreant disturbed the peace of the small town.
Deviant
Often associated with nonconformity.
The artist's deviant styles were initially criticized.
Miscreant
Someone causing intentional harm or disruption.
Miscreants vandalized the public sculptures.
Deviant
Not necessarily involved in criminal activities.
Deviants in that society were often merely expressing unpopular opinions.
Miscreant
A term often used in legal contexts to describe offenders.
The court document described him as a miscreant.
Deviant
A person diverging from usual or accepted standards.
His deviant behavior at social gatherings raised eyebrows.
Miscreant
One who behaves badly, often by breaking rules of conduct or the law.
Deviant
A deviant person or thing
Killers, deviants, and those whose actions are beyond most human comprehension
Miscreant
(Archaic) One who does not believe in a certain religion; an infidel or heretic.
Deviant
Differing from a norm or from the accepted standards of a society.
Miscreant
Lacking in conscience or moral principles; unscrupulous.
Deviant
One that differs from a norm, especially a person whose behavior and attitudes differ from accepted social standards.
Miscreant
(theology) Holding an incorrect religious belief.
Deviant
Characterized by deviation from an expectation or a social standard.
At the trial, the extent of his deviant behavior became clear.
Miscreant
One who has behaved badly, or illegally.
The teacher sent the miscreants to see the school principal.
Deviant
A person who deviates, especially from norms of social behavior.
He was branded as a deviant and ostracized.
Miscreant
One not restrained by moral principles; an unscrupulous villain.
Deviant
A thing, phenomenon, or trend that deviates from an expectation or pattern.
As the graph shows, the March sales trend is the deviant.
Miscreant
(theology) One who holds a false religious belief; a misbeliever.
Deviant
(Internet) A member of the online art community DeviantArt.
Miscreant
One who holds a false religious faith; a misbeliever.
Thou oughtest not to be slothful to the destruction of the miscreants, but to constrain them to obey our Lord God.
Deviant
Deviating.
Miscreant
One not restrained by Christian principles; an unscrupulous villain; a depraved person; a vile wretch.
Deviant
Having behavior or characteristics differing from that which is normal or expected, especially in an undesirable or socially disapproved manner; as, deviant behavior.
Miscreant
Holding a false religious faith.
Deviant
Markedly different from an accepted norm;
Aberrent behavior
Deviant ideas
Miscreant
Destitute of conscience; unscrupulous; villainous; base; depraved.
Miscreant
A person without moral scruples
Common Curiosities
What is a miscreant?
A miscreant is someone who engages in illegal or immoral activities.
What does deviant mean?
Deviant refers to someone or something that deviates from accepted social norms.
Can a miscreant also be a deviant?
Yes, a miscreant can be a deviant if their actions also deviate from societal norms.
How are miscreants perceived in society?
Miscreants are generally viewed negatively, as their actions are harmful or disruptive.
Is deviant behavior always illegal?
No, deviant behavior is not always illegal; it often involves nonconformity to societal norms without breaking laws.
What legal actions are taken against miscreants?
Miscreants often face criminal charges and legal proceedings due to their illegal activities.
Are deviants punished like miscreants?
Punishment for deviants varies and often includes social sanctions rather than legal penalties, unlike for miscreants.
What are examples of deviant behavior?
Examples of deviant behavior include extreme fashion choices, unconventional lifestyle, or challenging mainstream ideologies.
Can deviance be positive?
Yes, deviance can sometimes lead to positive social change by challenging outdated or unjust norms.
How do cultures differ in defining deviants?
Cultural norms greatly influence what is considered deviant, leading to significant variation across different societies.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
