noun
- the quality or state of being devilish; mischievous or playfully wicked behavior
- extreme wickedness or cruelty; malevolent or evil nature
Usage: often used to describe lighthearted or impish conduct rather than truly evil behavior
Usage: less common than the playful sense; conveys serious moral wrongdoing
Examples
- The children's devilishness was evident when they hid their teacher's chalk.
- She had a devilishness in her smile that suggested she was up to something fun.
- His devilishness knew no bounds as he played pranks on everyone at the party.
- The character's devilishness made him both charming and unpredictable.
- There was a hint of devilishness in how he answered the trick question.
- Her devilishness came through in the mischievous glint in her eye.