thieve: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, literary, or archaic in modern usage; 'steal' is far more common in everyday speech.
Quick answer
What does “thieve” mean?
To steal something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To steal something; to take someone else's property without permission.
To engage in the act of stealing, often habitually or professionally. Can also imply sneaky or furtive taking.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is equally uncommon in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly old-fashioned or literary in both dialects. May be used for stylistic effect.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both corpora. 'Steal', 'rob', 'pinch' (UK), 'swipe' are preferred.
Grammar
How to Use “thieve” in a Sentence
[Subject] thieves[Subject] thieves [Object][Subject] thieves from [Source]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “thieve” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The youths were caught thieving from the local newsagent.
- He would thieve to fund his habit.
- Legend says the fox can thieve eggs without a sound.
American English
- The system was designed to prevent employees from thieving supplies.
- They accused him of thieving from the collection plate.
- In the story, the raccoons thieve corn from the field.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverb form.
American English
- No standard adverb form.
adjective
British English
- No standard adjective form. Use 'thieving' (e.g., a thieving magpie).
American English
- No standard adjective form. Use 'thieving' (e.g., his thieving ways).
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in formal reports: 'Measures to prevent employees from thieving stock.'
Academic
Rare, except in historical or sociological texts discussing crime.
Everyday
Very rare. 'Steal' is used almost exclusively.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “thieve”
- Using 'thieve' as a noun (incorrect: 'He is a thieve.' Correct: 'He is a thief.').
- Overusing 'thieve' in place of the more natural 'steal'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is quite uncommon in modern English. The noun 'thief' and the verb 'steal' are used far more frequently.
In most contexts, yes, as they are synonyms. However, 'steal' is the default, neutral choice. 'Thieve' sounds more formal, literary, or old-fashioned.
The noun form is 'thief' (plural: thieves). The act is 'theft'.
Yes. You 'thieve' or 'steal' an object (e.g., thieve a wallet). You 'rob' a person or a place (e.g., rob a bank). The object of 'rob' is the source, not the item taken.
To steal something.
Thieve is usually formal, literary, or archaic in modern usage; 'steal' is far more common in everyday speech. in register.
Thieve: in British English it is pronounced /θiːv/, and in American English it is pronounced /θiːv/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Beg, borrow, or thieve (variation of 'beg, borrow, or steal')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'THIEF' who 'THIEVES'. The noun (thief) is common, the verb (thieve) is its action.
Conceptual Metaphor
STEALING IS TAKING WHAT IS NOT YOURS / CRIME IS A PROFESSION ('he thieves for a living').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the MOST common and neutral synonym for 'thieve'?