A2noun 2K

Thief

🇬🇧 UK /["/θiːf/","/θiːvz/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/θiːf/","/θiːvz/"]/

Meaning of Thief

a person who steals something from another person or place

In simple words: A person who steals things.

Thief in a sentence

• a **car/jewel thief**
• a gang of thieves
• **Thieves stole** £70 000 worth of jewellery from his home.
• a **petty thief ***(= who steals items of quite low value)*
• It is the fourth time the shop has been targeted by thieves.
• A thief snatched her handbag containing her wages.
• The alarm is usually sufficient to deter a would-be thief.
• The thief struck while the family were out.

How to use Thief

Use 'thief' in neutral contexts when discussing crime. Avoid in formal writings unless necessary; 'burglar' might be better for specific cases involving breaking and entering.

Grammar pattern

thief + noun (object stolen)

Memory hint

Think of a 'thief' who leaves a trail of 'he' (sounds like 'thief') behind as they escape.

Related words

Collocations with Thief

• would-be
• common
• petty
• gang
• catch
• snatch something
• steal something
• take something

Synonyms for Thief

• robber
• stealer
• shoplifter
• burglar
• criminal

Opposites of Thief

• honest person
• guardian

Common mistakes with Thief

• 'Theif' is a common misspelling.
• 'Thieves' is not commonly understood, often mispronounced.

Frequently asked questions about Thief

What does Thief mean?

A person who steals things.

What is the definition of Thief?

a person who steals something from another person or place

How do you use Thief in a sentence?

a **car/jewel thief**

Can you give another example of Thief?

a gang of thieves

What are synonyms for Thief?

Common alternatives include robber, stealer, shoplifter, burglar, criminal.

What is the opposite of Thief?

Opposite meanings include honest person, guardian.

What words go with Thief?

It commonly pairs with would-be, common, petty, gang, catch, snatch something, steal something, take something.

What are common mistakes when using Thief?

'Theif' is a common misspelling. 'Thieves' is not commonly understood, often mispronounced.

How do you pronounce Thief?

US: /["/θiːf/","/θiːvz/"]/, UK: /["/θiːf/","/θiːvz/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Thief?

Use 'thief' in neutral contexts when discussing crime. Avoid in formal writings unless necessary; 'burglar' might be better for specific cases involving breaking and entering.

What CEFR level is Thief?

"Thief" is at A2 level on the CEFR scale.