misdeed, misdemeanor, etc.

Question

Hi,I'm not sure which word fits this sentence better - "misdeed" or "misdemeanor"?"The principal sat quietly behind his desk, waiting for the child to confess his worst misdeeds / misdemeanors."Do you have another word in mind? I thought of "felony", but felt it was a bit too strong a word.

Avangi · Accepted Answer

I'd say "misdeeds" is a good choice.

"Felony" and "misdemeanor" are legal terms, and I think would only be appropriate when so viewed by the authorities.

The principal might say, "I hope you realize that what you've done would be considered a felony in a court of law," or, "Under the law, this would be a misdemeanor."

But I don't think it's appropriate to say it is a misdemeanor unless you're an official. Anyone may say that the crime is a misdemeanor, but not that the act is a misdemeanor.

That's my opinion.

MarvinTheMartian · Answer

Thanks, Avangi. Do you think the phrase "worst misdeeds" is redundant? Personally, I think it's fine in this context, but I could be wrong. Would it better if I said "worst deeds" instead? (It sort of makes the deeds in question seem less serious doesn't it? Maybe I should stick to my original wording after all.)

Thomas Tompion · Answer

MarvinTheMartianHi,

I'm not sure which word fits this sentence better - "misdeed" or "misdemeanor"?

"The principal sat quietly behind his desk, waiting for the child to confess his worst misdeeds / misdemeanors."

Do you have another word in mind? I thought of "felony", but felt it was a bit too strong a word.

The word 'deed' carries a certain amount of suggestion of derring-do; Ulysses, Perseus, and war-heroes perform deeds. Schoolboys are guilty of misdemeanours; the word suggests a much lower register.

The natural thing would be "The principal sat quietly behind his desk, waiting for the child to confess his worst misdemeanours."

You ask if the word 'worst' is necessary. Its presence means that the principal only expected the child to confess the more serious ones - leaving it out would suggest that the principal was less of a pragmatist, and less understanding of children, than he seems with it there.

You can put misdeeds, of course, if you want to be dramatic. I prefer understatement to exaggeration, so I'd go for misdemeanours.

Avangi · Answer

MarvinTheMartian Do you think the phrase "worst misdeeds" is redundant?

No. Presumably, the child is spewing out misdeads of various stripes, some undoubtedly low level. The principle is waiting patiently for the "best" *** of them.

I don't think "misdeeds" alone indicates degree, as do "felony" and "misdemeanor." Therefore, comparatives and superlatives are in order as modifiers, and fit your story line. - IMO. I don't think the punishment for misdeeds is codified in law.

*** weak attempt at humor

misdeed, misdemeanor, etc.

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions