miscredente
The English phrase miscreant translates to the Italian noun miscredente.
miscredente refers to a person who has behaved badly or illegally.
Meaning: one who has behaved badly or illegally (noun)
Which one should you use?
While miscredente is a general term, other words offer more specific nuances: Delinquente specifically translates to criminal. Malfattore is used to emphasize wrongful actions. And Scavezzacollo describes someone characterized by reckless or unruly behavior. Additionally, Marmaglia is used when referring to a disreputable group or a collection of immoral individuals.
Did you know?
- The Italian word miscredente is a linguistic 'false friend' to English speakers. While it looks like 'miscreant', it actually means 'unbeliever' or 'infidel' because it stems from the verb 'miscredere', to disbelieve.
- In a historical context, calling someone a miscredente could lead to an Inquisition trial, whereas calling someone a 'miscreant' in English might just lead to a fine.
- The word miscredente shares a linguistic ancestor with the Italian word for 'credit', as both rely on the concept of 'believing' or 'trusting'.
Example conversation
Matteo and Martina are discussing a neighbor who caused trouble.
- MatteoHai visto cosa ha fatto quel miscredente?Did you see what that miscreant did?
- MartinaSì, ha rotto la finestra di nuovo.Yes, he broke the window again.
- MatteoÈ davvero un miscredente senza cuore.He really is a heartless miscreant.
- MartinaDobbiamo chiamare la polizia subito.We must call the police immediately.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries miscredente, CC BY-SA 4.0.
