French Conversation · Level 22
90 words
French word
malicieux
Pronunciation
IPA/malisjø/
Meaning
- adjectivemischievous
Example
Sa remarque était malicieuse et nous a fait rire.
The remark was mischievous and made us laugh.
More examples
Il lui a adressé un sourire malicieux avant de partir.
He gave her a mischievous smile before leaving.
Core concept
A playful spark that teases or provokes while keeping harm out of the intention.
Common phrases
sourire malicieux
mischievous smile
regard malicieux
mischievous look
air malicieux
mischievous expression
Similar words
espiègle: Cheerfully mischievous in a way that entertains others without harmful intent.
taquin: Given to playful teasing or mild provocation to elicit a reaction.
coquin: Playfully naughty and prone to harmless little pranks.
malveillant: Hostile and deliberately intent on harming others.
Definition in French
Qui montre de la malice sous forme de taquinerie espiègle plutôt que de méchanceté, et qui amuse ou provoque sans chercher à blesser.
Word origin
Malicieux comes through Old French malicieus from Latin malitiosus, derived from malitia and ultimately from malus, meaning bad.
Usage tips
- Malicieux is often lighter than English malicious, which usually suggests serious harmful intent.