pilfered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pilfered" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the act of stealing something, especially in a small or petty manner. Example: "The shopkeeper discovered that several items had been pilfered from the store overnight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

After the money's spent, all that remains of the experience is pilfered stationery and the scent of Jo Malone bubblebath.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Nobody wants pilfered microwaves or DVD players.

The Economist

A string of recent high-profile intrusions by hackers, ranging from the devastating cyber-attack on Sony Pictures Entertainment to the news this week that crafty hackers had pilfered large sums of money from banks in Russia and elsewhere, have propelled cyber-security to the top of boardroom agendas.

The Economist

So, unless further revelations show that more sensitive data has been pilfered, the damage is limited.

The Economist

Finished ballots were pilfered from letterboxes or obtained from postmen.

The Economist

That password, it appears, was one of the millions pilfered from the professional social network in a security breach that came to light in June.

The Economist

Some pirates are recruited by the state: Sir Francis Drake pilfered for England, and the Pentagon employs past hackers, too.

The Economist

It was created to avoid repeating the past, when a kleptocratic president, Siaka Stevens, made secret extraction deals for his own benefit, prompting a resentful people eventually to rebel, with help from next-door Liberia, whose leaders pilfered Sierra Leone's diamonds.Three aspects of the new deals are troubling.

The Economist

An operation dubbed GhostNet, apparently originating in China, pilfered information from over 100 countries.

The Economist

Funds pilfered by Ferdinand Marcos that were frozen in 1986 were not released to the Philippines government until 2002.

The Economist

It also required a new cast since one of the leading characters, a child, had grown into an adolescent in the interim.In this section Blood meridian Pilfered piles Mission unaccomplished Marching through Georgia Bowing to the longbow Deep trouble ReprintsWas it all worth it?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pilfered", consider the context and ensure it accurately reflects the scale and nature of the theft. It's best suited for describing small, petty thefts rather than grand larceny.

Common error

Avoid using "pilfered" when describing a significant or violent robbery. "Pilfered" implies a minor, often surreptitious act, and using it for major crimes can undermine the seriousness of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The word "pilfered" functions primarily as the past tense and past participle of the verb "pilfer", indicating an action that has already occurred. This means it describes something that has been stolen, typically in a sneaky or petty manner, as seen in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "pilfered" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to describe the act of stealing, particularly when the theft is minor or surreptitious. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly and effectively describes the act of petty theft. It's primarily found in news and media sources, indicating a neutral register. While "pilfered" shares semantic space with words like "stolen" and "filched", it offers a unique nuance that captures both the act of theft and its petty nature. When writing, consider the specific context to use it most effectively, ensuring it aligns with the scale and manner of the described theft.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stolen

A general term for taking something without permission, lacking the connotation of sneakiness or pettiness present in "pilfered".

filched

Implies a sneaky or casual theft, very close in meaning to "pilfered" but perhaps suggesting even less value or consequence.

lifted

A more casual term for stealing, often used in reference to shoplifting or petty theft.

purloined

Suggests a more formal or deliberate act of stealing, often something of significant value or importance.

swiped

A slang term for stealing, suggesting a quick and easy theft.

embezzled

Specifically refers to the misappropriation of funds or assets entrusted to someone, implying a breach of trust.

misappropriated

Refers to using something improperly or dishonestly, often funds or resources.

appropriated

Implies taking something for one's own use, sometimes without necessarily being illegal but often considered unethical.

snatched

Suggests a sudden and forceful taking of something.

pocketed

Implies concealing something small while stealing it.

FAQs

How is "pilfered" typically used in a sentence?

"Pilfered" is commonly used to describe the act of stealing something, especially in a small or petty manner. For example: "The museum discovered that several artifacts had been "pilfered" from the exhibit."

What are some alternatives to using "pilfered"?

You can use alternatives like "stolen", "filched", or "lifted" depending on the context and the nuance you wish to convey.

What is the difference between "pilfered" and "stolen"?

"Stolen" is a general term for taking something without permission. "Pilfered" implies a sneaky or petty theft, often of something small or insignificant. "Stolen" is more versatile, while "pilfered" adds a specific nuance of minor theft.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use the word "pilfered"?

The term "pilfered" is most appropriate in contexts where the theft is minor, surreptitious, or involves items of relatively low value. It fits well in descriptions of petty theft, such as items "pilfered" from a store or office.