stiegel: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
A1Neutral; used across all registers from informal to formal.
Quick answer
What does “stiegel” mean?
to take something that belongs to someone else without permission or legal right, with the intention of keeping it.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to take something that belongs to someone else without permission or legal right, with the intention of keeping it.
To move somewhere secretly or quietly; to gain an advantage unfairly; to take attention away from someone else.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in core meaning. The legal term 'theft' is more formal in both.
Connotations
Equally negative in both dialects. 'Steal the show' (idiom) is common in both.
Frequency
Very high frequency in both. Slightly more common in American news reports about crime.
Grammar
How to Use “stiegel” in a Sentence
[Someone] steals [something] (from [someone/somewhere]).[Something] steals [abstract thing] (e.g., the show, attention).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stiegel” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was accused of trying to steal a lorry.
- She managed to steal a look at the exam paper.
- The comedian stole the show with his hilarious routine.
American English
- He was accused of trying to steal a truck.
- She managed to steal a peek at the test.
- The comedian stole the show with her hilarious routine.
adjective
British English
- It was a steal at only five quid!
- He bought a steal of a deal on the new telly.
American English
- It was a steal at only five dollars!
- He got a steal of a deal on the new TV.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
'The employee was caught trying to steal company data.'
Academic
'The researcher was accused of attempting to steal credit for the discovery.'
Everyday
'Someone stole my bike from the garden last night.'
Technical
(Legal) 'The defendant is charged with conspiracy to steal.' (Sports) 'The player managed to steal second base.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stiegel”
- Incorrect: 'They stole the bank.' Correct: 'They robbed the bank.' / 'They stole money from the bank.'
- Incorrect: 'He was stolen his phone.' Correct: 'His phone was stolen.' / 'Someone stole his phone.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Steal' focuses on the item taken. 'Rob' focuses on the victim or place from which things are taken (rob a person, a bank). 'Burgle' (US: 'burglarize') means to enter a building illegally to steal.
Yes, informally. Calling a cheap item 'a steal' is positive. Also, 'steal the show' is positive for the performer (but negative for others overshadowed).
It is irregular: steal - stole - stolen.
It means to leave a place quietly or secretly without being noticed.
to take something that belongs to someone else without permission or legal right, with the intention of keeping it.
Stiegel is usually neutral; used across all registers from informal to formal. in register.
Stiegel: in British English it is pronounced /stiːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /stiːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “steal the show”
- “steal a march on someone”
- “steal someone's thunder”
- “steal a glance”
- “steal away”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'STEEL' (metal) as strong and hard to break into, but if you STEAL, you break that strength and take something.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME/SUCCESS IS A POSSESSION ('steal a moment', 'steal a victory'); ATTENTION IS A POSSESSION ('steal the show').
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'steal' correctly?