pilfer

USAGE SUMMARY

'pilfer' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a verb meaning to take something without permission, often for personal gain. For example, "The burglar pilfered items from the safe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The $28bn burger chain is out to pilfer your pennies and wheedle your wad with an artful dodger too charming to refuse.

The Guardian - Business

Or might The Grand Budapest Hotel (which actually leads the pack with 11) sneak in and pilfer, à la M Gustav and Boy With Apple?

The Guardian - Film

But the IMF, for one, warns that it can build up again.Shahbaz Sharif, who has a national role helping the prime minister on economic policy, says that many consumers continue to pilfer electricity and gas.

The Economist

They stop trucks for imagined infractions of obscure laws, and are easily bought off with a few dollars or the chance to pilfer from a load.Slow and dangerous as it may be to move goods in by road from Finland, it is less slow than any other route, and less dangerous than stockpiling expensive goods in Russia.

The Economist

On the east coast, violent gangs pilfer oil from Pemex, the state oil company.

The Economist

The current safeguards are as effective as a "Do not pilfer" sign on an unguarded cookie jar.

The Economist

So long as his interest in money does not encourage him to pilfer the nation's wealth, his competence should help it prosper.

The Economist

They also routinely pilfer supplies from their workplace: that is what keeps the informal economy going.The global financial crisis in 2007-08 also took its toll.

The Economist

In 2008 Ed Felten and his team used nothing fancier than a can of compressed air to chill memory chip modules while a computer was running, remove them and pilfer critical data like passwords, which are temporarily stored in the modules' chips.

The Economist

The private key is kept secret lest malefactors pilfer one's purse.

The Economist

Digitally disguised and undeterred by borders or passports, they can pick locks anywhere in the world, pilfer secrets without trace and even leave toxic traps for the unwary.Security chiefs are very worried; NATO's new cyberwarfare think-tank in Estonia gets requests for help from across the world.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pilfer" to describe the act of stealing small items or amounts, especially when emphasizing the petty nature of the theft.

Common error

Avoid using "pilfer" to describe large-scale theft or embezzlement. Reserve it for situations involving smaller items or amounts to maintain accuracy and avoid exaggerating the severity of the crime.

Linguistic Context

The word "pilfer" functions primarily as a verb, describing the action of stealing small items or amounts. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage. Examples in Ludwig show it used in contexts ranging from petty theft to digital espionage, highlighting its applicability across different domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pilfer" is a verb used to describe the act of stealing small items or amounts, often implying that the theft is petty or of little consequence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English. As demonstrated by the numerous examples found in news articles, encyclopedias, and other reliable sources, it is a versatile word applicable in various contexts. While grammatically correct and widely used, it's crucial to reserve "pilfer" for minor thefts to avoid misrepresenting the severity of a crime. Synonyms such as "filch", "swipe", and "pinch" offer alternative ways to express similar meanings, each with subtle differences in connotation. Its frequency is very common, and the word has a Neutral Register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

filch

Similar to pilfer but can sometimes imply a slightly more secretive act.

snatch

Implies a sudden or opportunistic taking.

swipe

Suggests a quick and casual act of stealing.

pinch

A colloquial term for stealing, often implying it's a minor offense.

purloin

A more formal and sometimes humorous term for stealing.

pocket

Implies concealing something while stealing it.

appropriate

Suggests taking something for oneself, sometimes without clear permission.

sneak

Implies moving or acting in a stealthy way, often to take something unnoticed.

rip off

Suggests cheating or defrauding someone, often for a larger sum.

embezzle

Involves stealing funds or assets that have been entrusted to one's care; it's a breach of trust.

FAQs

How can I use "pilfer" in a sentence?

You can use "pilfer" to describe someone stealing small items, such as "The shoplifter tried to "pilfer" candy from the store."

What's the difference between "pilfer" and "steal"?

"Pilfer" implies stealing items of little value or in small quantities, while "steal" is a more general term for taking something without permission. Pilfering is petty theft, while stealing can encompass any act of taking something that doesn't belong to you.

What are some synonyms for "pilfer"?

Synonyms for "pilfer" include "filch", "swipe", "snatch", and "pinch". Each term has a slightly different connotation, but all refer to taking something without permission.

Is it appropriate to use "pilfer" in formal writing?

While "pilfer" is generally acceptable, it may sound slightly informal or even humorous in very formal contexts. Consider alternatives like "appropriate" or "purloin" if a more elevated tone is desired.