What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mischievous
Example
The mischievous kitten knocked over the vase and ran away. [mischievous: adjective]
Example
He had a mischievous grin on his face as he played a prank on his friend. [mischievous: adjective]
playful
Example
The playful puppy chased its tail in circles. [playful: adjective]
Example
She gave him a playful wink and a smile. [playful: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Playful is more commonly used than mischievous in everyday language. Playful is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while mischievous is less common and refers to behavior that is more rebellious or disobedient.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mischievous and playful?
Both mischievous and playful can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but playful is generally more appropriate for formal situations due to its positive connotation.
