/
ˈmɪstʃɪvəs/
adj.
- causing or disposed to mischief.
- intended to cause harm or trouble.
Derivative
- mischievously adv.
- mischievousness n.
Usage
Mischievous is a three-syllable word; do not pronounce it with four syllables, as if it were spelled mischievious (
/mɪsˈtʃiːvɪəs/
).
Etymology
ME (orig. ‘unfortunate or calamitous’, later ‘having harmful effects’): from Anglo-Norman Fr. meschevous, from OFr. meschever (see mischief).
