thievish

/'θi:viʃ/

Thân thiện

A thievish squirrel snatches a shiny coin from a park bench.

Definition

1. 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.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. given to thievery

Từ đồng nghĩa

• thieving