Naughtiness: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe mild or playful bad behavior, often by children. It's generally seen as less serious and can sometimes be affectionate in tone.

• Her naughtiness made everyone laugh at the family dinner.
• The teacher scolded the child's naughtiness, but it was clear he wasn't really upset.

Describes a tendency to engage in playful misbehavior. It is often used affectionately or humorously to describe someone who is constantly causing harmless trouble.

• Her mischievousness was evident when she played harmless pranks on her friends.
• There's a mischievousness about him that makes him so much fun to be around.

Refers to the act of deliberately not following rules or instructions. This term has a more serious and negative connotation than the others.

• Disobedience will not be tolerated in this classroom.
• The dog's disobedience during training was frustrating for the owner.

Typically describes playful or mildly troublesome behavior that is not intended to cause serious harm. Often used in a lighthearted way.

• The children were up to some mischief, hiding their father's car keys.
• He has a look of mischief in his eyes when he talks about his school days.

Best used to describe behavior that is mildly disobedient or improper, especially in children. It often carries a slightly negative connotation.

• Her naughtiness got her into trouble with the teacher
• The little boy's naughtiness was evident when he refused to eat his vegetables

Ideal for describing harmless pranks or tricks meant to be fun rather than cause harm. This phrase is also positive and implies friendly or cheerful intent.

• The playful mischief of hiding his sister's shoes made everyone laugh
• Her playful mischief often involved practical jokes that her friends found amusing

Perfect for characterizing playful or fun-loving behavior that causes no harm and is intended to amuse. This term is more positive and good-natured.

• His lighthearted mischievousness brightened everyone's day at the office
• The children's lighthearted mischievousness made the family gathering more enjoyable