Burglary vs Robbery
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| Burglary | Robbery | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | The crime of breaking into a building to steal something. | Stealing from someone, usually with force. |
| Register | formal | - |
| CEFR level | - | B2 |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Usage notes | Used in legal contexts; not commonly used in casual conversation. Avoid using when referring to non-criminal thefts. | Used in legal contexts and general discussions about crime. It's inappropriate in casual conversations or lighthearted contexts. |
Frequently asked questions: Burglary vs Robbery
What's the difference between "Burglary" and "Robbery"?
"Burglary" means: The crime of breaking into a building to steal something. "Robbery" means: Stealing from someone, usually with force.
When should I use "Burglary" and "Robbery"?
"Burglary" is formal.