devilment: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareInformal, Literary
Quick answer
What does “devilment” mean?
playful, mischievous behaviour.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
playful, mischievous behaviour; reckless mischief or troublemaking
A state or quality of being mischievously energetic; actions characterized by a rebellious or naughty spirit; can also imply wickedness or malicious mischief in certain contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More commonly used in British English. American English speakers are more likely to use 'mischief', 'shenanigans', or 'deviltry'.
Connotations
In British usage, it often has a lighter, more playful feel (e.g., describing a child's antics). In American usage, if used, it may sound slightly archaic or literary.
Frequency
Considered low-frequency in both varieties, but markedly more prevalent in British English corpus data.
Grammar
How to Use “devilment” in a Sentence
[possessive] + devilmentThere was [a glint/sense/spark] of devilment in [possessive] eyes.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “devilment” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not standard; the verb form is 'devil' as in 'to devil someone')
American English
- (Not standard)
adverb
British English
- (Not applicable)
American English
- (Not applicable)
adjective
British English
- (The adjectival form is 'devilish')
American English
- (The adjectival form is 'devilish')
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. Would be highly informal and potentially unprofessional.
Academic
Extremely rare, except in literary or historical analysis.
Everyday
Used in informal conversation, often humorously or descriptively.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “devilment”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “devilment”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “devilment”
- Using it to mean 'extreme evil' (too strong).
- Using it in formal writing.
- Confusing it with 'devilishness' (which is more adjectival in quality).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. It often describes playful, energetic mischief and can be used with affection or humour. However, in some contexts, it can imply more malicious intent.
'Devilment' is a less common, more vivid synonym for 'mischief'. It often suggests a slightly more energetic, impish, or knowingly naughty quality. 'Mischief' is the broader, more neutral term.
No. 'Devilment' is exclusively a noun. The related verb is 'to devil' (meaning to harass, annoy, or prepare food with spicy seasoning), but this is distinct and not commonly used in the same playful sense.
No, it is relatively rare in American English. Terms like 'mischief', 'shenanigans', or 'high jinks' are more frequently used to express similar ideas.
playful, mischievous behaviour.
Devilment is usually informal, literary in register.
Devilment: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɛv(ə)lm(ə)nt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɛvəlmənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The devilment in him/her”
- “Up to devilment”
- “A twinkle/gleam of devilment”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a little DEVIL with a playful glint in its eye, up to some mischievous ACTIVITY. DEVIL + ACTIVITY = DEVILMENT.
Conceptual Metaphor
MISCHIEF IS A DEMONIC FORCE / PLAYFUL ENERGY IS A DEVIL INSIDE
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'devilment' LEAST likely to be appropriate?