What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
devilish
Example
He had a devilish grin on his face as he played the prank. [devilish: adjective]
Example
The devilish task of cleaning the attic took hours. [devilish: adjective]
Example
She had a devilish way of getting what she wanted. [devilish: adjective]
mischievous
Example
The mischievous kitten knocked over the vase. [mischievous: adjective]
Example
He had a mischievous glint in his eye as he told the joke. [mischievous: adjective]
Example
The mischievous antics of the children kept the adults entertained. [mischievous: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mischievous is a more commonly used word than devilish in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between devilish and mischievous?
Both devilish and mischievous are informal words, but devilish may be considered more informal and even inappropriate in certain contexts due to its negative connotation.
