thievish
/'θi:viʃ/
Definition
- Adjective:
- Having the nature or habits of a thief; inclined to steal: Describes a person or their character as being prone to theft or dishonesty.
- Resembling or characteristic of a thief; furtive or stealthy: Describes an appearance, manner, or action that suggests secrecy or dishonesty, like that of a thief.
Usage
The adjective "thievish" is used to characterize a person's dishonest nature or a suspicious, stealthy quality. It is a somewhat formal or literary term.
Examples
- Describing a person's character:
- The shopkeeper was wary of the thievish boy who often loitered near the counter.
- He was dismissed from his job for his thievish behavior.
- Describing a manner or look:
- She cast a thievish glance around the room before slipping the letter into her pocket.
- The cat moved with a thievish silence toward the bird feeder.
Advanced Usage
- "thievish propensity": A natural inclination or tendency to steal.
- The reform school aimed to correct the youth's thievish propensities.
- In a figurative sense: Can describe something that unfairly takes or appropriates.
- The fog made a thievish approach, silently stealing the view of the mountains.
Variants and Related Words
- Thievishly (adverb): In a manner resembling or characteristic of a thief.
- He looked thievishly over his shoulder.
- Thievishness (noun): The quality or state of being thievish.
- His thievishness was well-known in the neighborhood.
Synonyms
- Larcenous: Inclined to commit theft.
- Kleptomaniacal: Relating to a compulsive urge to steal (clinical context).
- Pilfering: Given to stealing small items.
- Light-fingered: Informal term for prone to stealing.
- Furtive: Attempting to avoid notice, typically because of guilt or a belief that discovery would lead to trouble; suggestive of stealth.
Antonyms
- Honest: Free of deceit and untruthfulness.
- Law-abiding: Obedient to the laws of society.
- Trustworthy: Able to be relied on as honest or truthful.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- To have a thievish look: To have an appearance that suggests one might steal.
- The stranger at the door had a thievish look, which made her uneasy.
- As thievish as a magpie: A simile comparing someone's stealing habits to the bird known for collecting shiny objects.
- Be careful with your jewelry around her; she's as thievish as a magpie.
Adjective
-
given to thievery
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