impish
gb/ˈɪmpɪʃ/ us/ˈɪmpɪʃ/
C1
English
huncut, pajkos, koboldszerű, ördögien huncut
C1
1
Usage pattern:
[someone] is impish; an impish [smile/grin/look]
He gave her an impish grin and hid the birthday present behind his back.
Huncut vigyorral rámosolygott, és a háta mögé rejtette a születésnapi ajándékot.
The puppy had an impish energy, stealing socks and darting out of reach.
A kiskutyában huncut elevenség volt: zoknikat lopkodott, aztán elszaladt, mielőtt bárki elérhette volna.
Her impish sense of humor kept the meeting light even when things got tense.
Learner examples
The boy had an impish smile.
A fiúnak huncut mosolya volt.
She made an impish joke.
Huncut tréfát mondott.
Common mistake:
Don’t use impish for serious or harmful wrongdoing; it usually suggests harmless, amusing mischief.
Meaning
playfully mischievous and cheeky
Collocations
impish grin
|impish smile
|impish look
|impish expression
|impish laugh
|impish sense of humor
|impish charm
|impish behavior
|impish child
|impish twinkle
Synonyms
mischievous (More general; can be neutral or negative depending on context.)
|
cheeky (More informal; often about rude-but-funny remarks.)
|
roguish (Suggests charming rule-breaking, often in adults.)
Antonyms
well-behaved (Not causing trouble or mischief.)
|
serious (Not playful or joking in manner.)
Themes
personality
|emotions
|social
Definition
playfully doing small bad things that are funny
Playfully mischievous in a way that is charming rather than seriously bad or harmful.
C2
LITERARY
2
koboldszerű
C1
Usage pattern:
an impish [creature/face/figure]
In the story, an impish sprite leads travelers off the path at night.
A történetben egy koboldszerű kis szellem éjjel letéríti az utazókat az ösvényről.
The mask had an impish face with sharp eyebrows and a sly smile.
A maszknak koboldszerű arca volt, éles szemöldökkel és sunyi mosollyal.
The artist painted impish figures dancing at the edge of the firelight.
Learner examples
The story has an impish spirit in it.
A történetben szerepel egy koboldszerű szellem.
Common mistake:
This sense is more descriptive and literary; in everyday speech it usually just means ‘playfully mischievous.’
Meaning
devilish or elf-like
Collocations
impish creature
|impish sprite
|impish little figure
|impish face
|impish eyes
|impish spirit
|impish devil
|impish glee
Synonyms
elfin (Focuses on small, fairy-like qualities rather than mischief.)
|
devilish (Stronger and darker; can imply more wickedness.)
Antonyms
angelic (Suggests innocence and goodness rather than mischievous wickedness.)
Themes
appearance
|literature
|mythology
Definition
like a small naughty spirit or devil
Suggesting a small mischievous spirit or devil; elfin and slightly wicked in appearance or manner.
Grammar
Dictionary form
impish
IPA
GB/ˈɪmpɪʃ/
US/ˈɪmpɪʃ/
Syllables & stress
imp - ish (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (imp)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: impish
Word family
Expressions
impish grin
1/ˈɪmpɪʃ ɡɹˈɪn/
fixed phrase
a mischievous smile
a smile that shows playful mischief
Examples
- She turned around with an impish grin, clearly hiding something.
- He wore an impish grin as he revealed the harmless prank.
- The child’s impish grin gave away the secret before he spoke.
Learner examples
- He gave me an impish grin.
impish look
1/ˈɪmpɪʃ lˈʊk/
fixed phrase
a mischievous expression
a look that shows playful mischief
Examples
- He shot her an impish look and reached for the confetti.
- The dog had an impish look that said it knew exactly what it had done.
- She gave an impish look and changed the subject.
Learner examples
- He gave an impish look.
impish smile
1/ˈɪmpɪʃ smˈaɪl/
fixed phrase
a cheeky, playful smile
a smile that looks a little naughty but fun
Examples
- With an impish smile, she asked if anyone had noticed the switch.
- An impish smile spread across his face when the plan worked.
- He answered with an impish smile and refused to explain.
Learner examples
- She had an impish smile.