Mischievous Misadventures: No Extra “I” Needed!

Difference Between Mischievous and Mischievious

Today, we will talk about two words: mischievous and mischievious. They look and sound alike, but there is an important difference.

History of the Words

The word mischievous comes from old English. It means someone likes to play tricks or get into small trouble. The word mischievious is not a real word. It came from people saying “mischievous” in the wrong way, adding an extra “i”.

How to Use Mischievous

Mischievous is an adjective. It describes someone or something that is playful and likes to have fun in a naughty way.

• The mischievous puppy chewed on my shoe.
• Anna has a mischievous smile.
• The mischievous wind blew my hat away.
• The mischievous boy hid his friend’s book.
• They planned a mischievous surprise for their friend.

How to Use Mischievious

Mischievious is not correct. You should always use mischievous instead. But, let’s make some sentences to show why it doesn’t sound right.

• The mischievious puppy chewed on my shoe.
• Anna has a mischievious smile.
• The mischievious wind blew my hat away.
• The mischievious boy hid his friend’s book.
• They planned a mischievious surprise for their friend.

See how “mischievious” looks like a mistake? That is because it is not a correct word.

Trick to Remember the Difference

Think of “mischievous” as having three syllables: mis-chie-vous. There is no extra “i” after “chie”. Now, remember: mischievous is the right word, mischievious is wrong.

Summary

The correct word to use is mischievous. It describes someone or something that is playful in a naughty way. Mischievious is not a real word, so always choose mischievous when you need to describe a little playful trouble.