Langimage
English

miscreant

|mis/cre/ant|

C1

/ˈmɪskriənt/

wrongdoer

Etymology
Etymology Information

'miscreant' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'mescreant,' where 'mes-' meant 'wrongly' and 'creant' meant 'believing.'

Historical Evolution

'mescreant' transformed into the Middle English word 'miscreaunt,' and eventually became the modern English word 'miscreant'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'unbeliever' or 'heretic,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'wrongdoer' or 'villain.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a person who behaves badly or in a way that breaks the law.

The police caught the miscreant who had been vandalizing the neighborhood.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Adjective 1

behaving badly or in a way that breaks a law or rule.

The miscreant behavior of the students led to their suspension.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39