Word
Definition
n. a person who takes something that belongs to someone else without permission.
n. a person who steals another person's property, typically by stealth and without the use of force or violence.
Examples
“The thief stole a bicycle from the garden.”
“A clever thief managed to take the expensive painting while the security guards were changing shifts.”
“The police believe the thief had inside information about the building's layout, as they bypassed the alarm system without leaving any physical evidence behind.”
Examples
simple
“The thief stole a bicycle from the garden.”
contextual
“A clever thief managed to take the expensive painting while the security guards were changing shifts.”
complex
“The police believe the thief had inside information about the building's layout, as they bypassed the alarm system without leaving any physical evidence behind.”
Usage
The plural form is 'thieves'.
Teaching tip
While 'thief' is a general term, teachers should note that 'robber' implies force and 'burglar' implies breaking into a building.
Pitfall
The thief robbed my phone from my bag.
The thief stole my phone from my bag.
You 'rob' a person or a place, but you 'steal' an object.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related words
Idioms
The word in film
Poster: Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
The Thief of Bagdad · 1961 · Adventure
- Directed by:
- Arthur Lubin
- Starring:
- Steve Reeves, Giorgia Moll
Arthur Lubin directs this Arabian Nights fantasy adventure starring Steve Reeves as an agile street rogue who embarks on a perilous quest to find a magical blue rose and cure an ailing princess. The title names his criminal occupation, celebrating the cunning acrobatics and daring larceny he employs against oppressive tyrants.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- A2 · ElementaryOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/thief
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0