larcenous
/'lɑ:sinəs/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Having a tendency or disposition to steal; thievish: Describes a person, their character, or their behavior as being inclined toward theft or larceny.
- Involving or characterized by theft: Pertaining to actions or activities that constitute or resemble stealing.
Usage
The adjective "larcenous" is used to describe a person's inherent nature or specific actions that show a propensity for theft. It is a formal or literary term often found in legal, psychological, or descriptive contexts. It typically precedes a noun or follows a linking verb like "is" or "seems."
Examples
- Describing a person's nature:
- The shopkeeper was wary of the customer's larcenous gaze.
- He was known in the neighborhood for his larcenous tendencies.
- Describing behavior or actions:
- The scheme had a clearly larcenous intent.
- Her larcenous act was caught on security camera.
Advanced Usage
- "Larcenous impulse": A sudden, strong desire to steal.
- He struggled to control his larcenous impulses.
- In a figurative sense: Used to describe an unfairly greedy or acquisitive attitude that is metaphorically like stealing.
- The corporation's larcenous acquisition of small businesses drew criticism.
Variants and Related Words
- Larceny (n): The legal term for the crime of theft of personal property.
- He was charged with grand larceny.
- Larcenist (n): A person who commits larceny; a thief (less common than "larcener").
- Larcener (n): A person who commits larceny.
Synonyms
- Thievish: Having the character or habits of a thief.
- Predatory: Seeking to exploit or steal from others.
- Kleptomaniacal: Relating to kleptomania, a compulsive urge to steal (more specific to a psychological condition).
Antonyms
- Honest: Free of deceit; truthful and sincere.
- Law-abiding: Obedient to the laws.
- Scrupulous: Very careful to do what is right or proper.
Noun
- having a disposition to steal