misdemeanor
C1Formal / Legal
Definition
Meaning
A minor crime or offense, especially one that is considered less serious than a felony.
An action that is considered wrong, improper, or inappropriate, though not necessarily criminal.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
In non-legal contexts, it can be used figuratively to describe minor misbehavior or a breach of etiquette. Its primary association is with legal systems.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In UK English, 'misdemeanour' is the standard spelling. The UK legal system historically used the term but has largely replaced it with 'summary offence' or 'either-way offence'. In the US, 'misdemeanor' is the standard spelling and a core, active legal term.
Connotations
In the US, it carries strong legal connotations. In the UK, its use is more historical or figurative; using it for actual law sounds old-fashioned or like an Americanism.
Frequency
Much more frequent in American English, especially in news and legal discourse. In British English, it's less common and often replaced by 'minor offence'.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
be accused of a [misdemeanor]charge someone with [a misdemeanor]reduce a felony to a [misdemeanor]treat something as a [misdemeanor]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's a misdemeanor, not a felony. (Figurative: It's a small mistake, not a major disaster.)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might be used figuratively: 'Failing to submit the report on time was a procedural misdemeanor.'
Academic
Common in legal studies and criminology papers, especially comparing US and Commonwealth legal systems.
Everyday
Used primarily in US news reports about arrests. Can be used humorously for minor misbehavior: 'Eating the last cookie is a kitchen misdemeanor.'
Technical
Core term in US criminal law, with defined classes (A, B, C) determining maximum penalties.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Not standard. Archaic verb 'to misdemean' exists but is obsolete.
American English
- Not standard. Archaic verb 'to misdemean' exists but is obsolete.
adverb
British English
- Not used.
American English
- Not used.
adjective
British English
- The misdemeanour law is less prominent now. (Note spelling)
American English
- He was booked on a misdemeanor charge.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Shoplifting is often treated as a misdemeanor.
- The prosecutor agreed to reduce the felony charge to a misdemeanor in the plea deal.
- While a felony conviction can jeopardise one's voting rights, a misdemeanor typically carries less severe collateral consequences.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
MISDEMEANOR = MIS (bad/wrong) + DEMEANOR (behavior) = wrong behavior, a minor crime.
Conceptual Metaphor
CRIME IS A SPECTRUM OF SEVERITY (misdemeanor = low end; felony = high end).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not equivalent to 'проступок' (misdemeanor is more formal/legal). 'Misdemeanor' is not 'преступление' (which is a broader 'crime'). Closest is 'правонарушение' or specifically 'уголовное проступок' in legal contexts.
Common Mistakes
- Spelling: 'misdemeanour' (UK) vs. 'misdemeanor' (US). Using it as a verb (incorrect: 'He misdemeanored.'). Confusing it with 'felony'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'misdemeanor' MOST commonly and correctly used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Severity and punishment. Misdemeanors are less serious crimes (e.g., petty theft, simple assault) typically punishable by fines or jail time of less than one year. Felonies are serious crimes (e.g., murder, armed robbery) with longer prison sentences.
Yes, but it's figurative or humorous. You might call forgetting a friend's birthday a 'social misdemeanor,' implying it's a minor breach of etiquette, not a real crime.
Not officially. The term was replaced in English law by 'summary offence' and 'either-way offence'. Using 'misdemeanor' in a UK legal context would sound archaic or like an Americanism.
Misdemeanors (US) / Misdemeanours (UK).
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