thievishly

/'θi:viʃli/

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Explanation of "thievishly"

Definition:
The word "thievishly" is an adverb that describes doing something in a way that is typical of a thief. This means acting sneaky, dishonest, or trying to take something that does not belong to you.

Usage Instructions

• Use "thievishly" to describe actions or behaviors that seem to be secretive or that suggest someone is trying to steal or deceive.

Example Sentence

• "He moved thievishly through the crowd, hoping no one would notice him slipping the wallet into his pocket."

Advanced Usage

In more advanced contexts, "thievishly" can be used to describe not just physical actions, but also behaviors like lying or cheating. For example: - "She thievishly manipulated the rules to gain an unfair advantage in the game."

Word Variants

1. Thief (noun): A person who steals.

   • Example: "The thief was caught trying to escape."

2. Thievery (noun): The act of stealing.

   • Example: "Thievery is a crime that affects many people."

3. Thieve (verb): To steal.

   • Example: "He decided to thieve rather than work for his money."

Different Meanings

While "thievishly" specifically relates to actions of stealing, the root word "thief" can also metaphorically refer to someone who takes away something intangible, like joy or time. For example: - "She felt like time was a thief, stealing her youth away."

Synonyms

• Stealthily
• Sneakily
• Cunningly
• Deceitfully

Idioms

There are no specific idioms that use "thievishly," but you might hear phrases related to stealing, such as: - "Caught red-handed" (caught in the act of doing something wrong).

Phrasal Verbs

While there are no direct phrasal verbs using "thievishly," you might find these related to stealing: - "Steal away": To leave secretly or unnoticed. - Example: "They decided to steal away from the party before it got too loud."

Summary

In summary, "thievishly" is an adverb used to describe actions that are sneaky or deceitful, resembling the behavior of a thief.

Academic

Adverb

1. in a manner characteristic of a thief