Definition
Playful, mischievous, or inclined to do naughty things for fun.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Adjective.
Synonyms
mischievous, playful, devilish, naughty, rascally, prankish, puckish, roguish, waggish.
Antonyms
Serious, mature, somber, staid, solemn.
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | impishness, impishnesses |
| Verb | None |
| Adjective | impish |
| Adverb | impishly |
Example Sentences
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The impish grin on his face revealed that he was up to some mischief again.
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Charlotte’s impish nature caused her to pull pranks on her siblings whenever she got the chance.
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Mr. Jenkins, the new teacher, was often amused by his students’ impish behavior despite himself.
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She had an impish charm that made it hard to stay upset with her for long.
Usage
The word “impish” is a delightful adjective used to describe playful and mischievous behavior. It is derived from the word “imp”, which originally referred to a small demon or mischievous spirit in folklore. Over time, the word “imp” became associated with naughty or prankish behavior, and this meaning has been passed down to the modern-day word “impish”.
The word “impish” can be used to describe a wide range of playful and mischievous actions. For example, a child might display an impish grin when caught doing something mischievous, or a friend might have an impish sense of humor that always keeps you on your toes. Alternatively, an impish person might be prone to practical jokes or other forms of playful teasing.
Sometimes, the word “impish” is used with a negative connotation. In these cases, it can indicate behavior that is inappropriate, disruptive, or even dangerous. However, in most cases, the word “impish” is used in a lighthearted and humorous way to describe behavior that is harmless and entertaining.
As for prefixes or suffixes, the word “impish” does not have any variations that substantially change its meaning. However, it is possible to add modifiers to the word to make it more specific. For example, you could describe someone as “wildly impish” or “slightly impish” to convey different degrees of playfulness or mischievousness. Additionally, you could use the adverb “impishly” to describe an action that is done in an impish manner, such as “She grinned impishly as she slid the whoopee cushion onto the chair.”