Definition

1. Adverb:
   • In a manner characteristic of a thief: Behaving or acting in a way that is secretive, dishonest, or intended to steal.

Usage

The adverb "thievishly" is used to describe how an action is performed. It modifies verbs to indicate that the action is done with the sly, secretive, or dishonest qualities associated with a thief. It is a formal and somewhat literary word.

Examples

• Adverb:
  • He glanced thievishly around the room before slipping the document into his coat. (He looked around in a secretive, guilty way.)
  • The fox moved thievishly through the henhouse, trying not to make a sound. (The fox moved with stealth and cunning intent.)
  • She smiled thievishly, knowing she had gotten away with the prank. (Her smile showed a sly, mischievous delight.)

Advanced Usage

• "to behave thievishly": to act in a dishonest or stealthy manner.
  • The spy behaved thievishly, gathering information without being detected.
• "to look thievishly": to have a guilty, sly, or secretive expression.
  • The child looked thievishly at the cookie jar when he thought no one was watching.

Variants and Related Words

• Thievish (adj): Having the qualities of a thief; given to stealing.
  • He had a thievish look in his eyes.
• Thievery (n): The action of stealing; theft.
  • The store installed cameras to prevent thievery.

Synonyms

• Furtively: In a way that attempts to avoid notice or attention; secretively.
• Slyly: In a cunning and deceitful manner.
• Stealthily: In a cautious and surreptitious manner, so as not to be seen or heard.
• Dishonestly: In a manner intended to deceive or cheat.

Antonyms

• Honestly: In a truthful, fair, or honorable way.
• Openly: Without concealment or deception; frankly.
• Frankly: In an open, honest, and direct manner.

Adverb

1. in a manner characteristic of a thief