Definition

A person who has been found guilty of a minor crime or offense, typically less serious than a felony.

Example

The judge sentenced the misdemeanant to community service for their actions.

Conversation

Did you hear about that guy who got arrested last week?

Yeah, I heard he was a misdemeanant from a previous case.

It's surprising how quickly someone can get into trouble again.

True, sometimes it feels like they just can't catch a break.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Misdemeanant → It is formed from "mis-" (meaning wrong or bad), "demean" (from Old French *demener*, meaning to conduct or behave), and "-ant" (a suffix used to indicate a person). The word refers to a person who behaves or conducts themselves in a wrong or bad manner, particularly in a legal context.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who conducts themselves 'wrongly' ('mis-') and 'behaves' ('demean') — that's why a misdemeanant is a person who behaves inappropriately.

Visually Confused Words