stealing
Stealing is taking something that does not belong to you without asking.
Explanation at your level:
Stealing is taking something that is not yours. If you take a toy from a friend without asking, that is stealing. It is not a good thing to do. You should always ask before you take something.
When you take someone's property without permission, you are stealing. It is against the law in most places. People feel sad or angry when someone steals from them. Always ask first!
Stealing is the act of taking an object that belongs to another person without their consent. It is considered a dishonest action. In many situations, stealing can lead to serious consequences, including legal trouble. It is important to respect what belongs to others.
To steal is to misappropriate someone's belongings with the intention of keeping them. While the word is often used in a legal context, it can also be used figuratively. For instance, you might hear about 'stealing the show.' However, the primary meaning remains linked to theft and dishonesty.
Stealing implies a breach of trust and a violation of property rights. Beyond the literal act of theft, the term is often employed in academic or journalistic discourse to discuss systemic issues or ethical dilemmas. It signifies a lack of integrity and an disregard for the boundaries of personal ownership.
The concept of stealing transcends simple material theft; it encompasses the appropriation of intellectual property, time, and even reputation. Etymologically rooted in Germanic traditions, the word carries a heavy moral weight. In literary contexts, it may be used to describe the subtle 'stealing' of moments or emotions, reflecting the complex relationship between human desire and the constraints of societal norms.
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- Stealing is taking without permission.
- It is a serious and illegal act.
- It can also be used figuratively.
- Always respect others' property.
When we talk about stealing, we are referring to the act of taking something that belongs to someone else. It is not just about moving an object; it is about the intent to keep it for yourself.
Because the owner did not give you permission, this action is viewed as a violation of trust and property rights. In most cultures, this is considered a serious moral and legal wrong.
It is important to remember that stealing covers everything from small items to large assets. Whether it is a pencil from a desk or something much larger, the core definition remains the same: taking what is not yours.
The word stealing comes from the Old English word stelan, which has roots in the Proto-Germanic stelaną. It is a very old word that has been part of the language for over a thousand years.
Historically, it has always carried a negative connotation, reflecting the universal human value of respecting private property. Interestingly, the word is related to the German stehlen and the Dutch stelen, showing how connected these languages are.
Over centuries, the word has evolved to be used in both literal and figurative senses. While we usually use it for physical objects, we also use it in phrases like 'stealing a glance' or 'stealing the show,' which adds a layer of nuance to our daily speech.
You will mostly hear stealing used in legal, news, or moral contexts. It is a direct and strong word, so it is rarely used casually unless you are talking about something lighthearted like a game.
Common collocations include stealing money, stealing property, or stealing ideas. When you use this word, you are making a strong claim about someone's character or actions.
If you want to be more formal, you might use theft or larceny. However, stealing remains the most common way to describe this action in everyday conversation.
1. Steal the show: To draw all the attention to yourself. Example: The child stole the show at the wedding.
2. Steal someone's thunder: To take credit for someone else's work. Example: She stole my thunder by announcing the news first.
3. Steal a glance: To look at someone quickly and secretly. Example: He stole a glance at his watch.
4. Steal a march on someone: To gain an advantage by acting first. Example: The company stole a march on its competitors.
5. Steal someone's heart: To make someone fall in love with you. Example: The puppy stole her heart immediately.
Stealing is the present participle of the verb steal. The past tense is stole, and the past participle is stolen. It is an irregular verb, which is a common feature of older English words.
The pronunciation is /stiːlɪŋ/. The 'ee' sound is long, and the 'ing' ending is unstressed. It rhymes with feeling, peeling, and kneeling.
When using it in a sentence, it often acts as a gerund (e.g., 'Stealing is wrong') or as part of a continuous verb phrase (e.g., 'He was stealing the cookies').
Fun Fact
Related to the word 'stealth'.
Pronunciation Guide
Long 'ee' sound, clear 'ing'.
Similar to UK, slightly more relaxed 'ing'.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing it like 'stilling'
- Shortening the 'ee' sound
- Adding an extra syllable
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read.
Easy to write.
Easy to say.
Easy to hear.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Fortgeschritten
Grammar to Know
Gerunds
Stealing is wrong.
Present Continuous
He is stealing.
Irregular Verbs
Steal-stole-stolen.
Examples by Level
He is stealing the apple.
He takes the apple without asking.
Present continuous.
Stealing is bad.
Taking things is wrong.
Gerund as subject.
Do not steal.
Never take things.
Imperative.
She is not stealing.
She is innocent.
Negative.
Is he stealing?
Is he taking it?
Question.
I hate stealing.
I dislike this act.
Verb + gerund.
They were stealing.
They took items.
Past continuous.
Stop stealing toys.
Don't take toys.
Verb + object.
The boy was caught stealing a candy bar.
Stealing is against the school rules.
He stopped stealing after he apologized.
She felt guilty about stealing the pen.
The police arrested him for stealing.
Stealing is a serious crime.
Why are you stealing my ideas?
He denied stealing the money.
The thief was arrested for stealing a car.
He was accused of stealing company secrets.
Stealing from a friend is a terrible betrayal.
She tried to justify stealing the bread.
The store security caught him stealing.
He was caught stealing a glance at her.
Stealing time is a common habit.
He admitted to stealing the documents.
The politician was accused of stealing public funds.
He stole the show with his incredible performance.
She felt like she was stealing time for herself.
Stealing intellectual property is a major issue.
He was stealing a march on his rivals.
The act of stealing is a violation of trust.
She was caught stealing looks at the stranger.
He didn't realize he was stealing her thunder.
The corporation was found guilty of stealing trade secrets.
He was accused of stealing the spotlight from his colleagues.
Stealing a moment of peace is essential for mental health.
The author was sued for stealing ideas from a classic novel.
They were stealing glances at the confidential report.
He was caught stealing credit for the team's success.
Stealing is a manifestation of deeper societal inequality.
She was stealing away from the party unnoticed.
The act of stealing fire from the gods is a classic myth.
He was stealing the very essence of the conversation.
The thief was stealing not just gold, but memories.
She was stealing herself away for a moment of reflection.
Stealing the narrative is a common political tactic.
He was accused of stealing the heart of the community.
The shadows were stealing across the room.
She was stealing a breath of fresh air.
Häufige Kollokationen
Idioms & Expressions
"steal the show"
to be the best part
The dog stole the show.
casual"steal someone's thunder"
take credit
Don't steal my thunder.
casual"steal a glance"
look secretly
He stole a glance at her.
neutral"steal a march"
gain advantage
They stole a march on us.
formal"steal someone's heart"
make fall in love
She stole his heart.
neutral"steal away"
leave secretly
He stole away at night.
neutralEasily Confused
Both mean taking.
Robbing involves force.
He robbed the bank.
Both involve taking.
Borrowing is with permission.
Can I borrow this?
Too general.
Taking can be neutral.
I am taking the book.
Legal term.
Larceny is very formal.
He was charged with larceny.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + is + stealing + object
He is stealing bread.
Subject + was + accused of + stealing
He was accused of stealing.
Subject + stopped + stealing
He stopped stealing.
Subject + admitted to + stealing
He admitted to stealing.
It is wrong to be + stealing
It is wrong to be stealing.
Wortfamilie
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Verwandt
How to Use It
7
Formality Scale
Häufige Fehler
You steal FROM a person, not TO them.
Subject-verb agreement.
More natural phrasing.
Need -ing for continuous.
Need -ing for continuous.
Tips
Memory Palace
Imagine a thief in your house.
Native Speakers
Use it to describe serious acts.
Cultural Insight
It is a taboo subject.
Grammar Shortcut
Use 'stealing' for ongoing actions.
Say It Right
Focus on the long 'ee'.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't say 'steal to'.
Did You Know?
It has ancient roots.
Study Smart
Use it in a diary entry.
Context
Always check the intent.
Verb Patterns
Steal + object + from.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Stealing is 'Steal' + 'ing' (I am doing it).
Visual Association
A hand grabbing a cookie.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Write 5 sentences using 'stealing'.
Wortherkunft
Old English
Original meaning: To take secretly
Kultureller Kontext
Very high; never accuse someone of stealing unless you have proof.
Highly sensitive topic; generally considered a major character flaw.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Legal
- accused of stealing
- caught stealing
- theft charge
School
- stop stealing
- don't steal
- it's not yours
Work
- stealing credit
- stealing time
- stealing ideas
Social
- stealing the show
- stealing a glance
- stealing hearts
Conversation Starters
"What would you do if you saw someone stealing?"
"Is it ever okay to steal?"
"Have you ever had something stolen from you?"
"Why do people start stealing?"
"How does stealing affect society?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you felt someone stole your idea.
Discuss the moral implications of stealing.
Describe a character who steals for a good reason.
Reflect on the difference between stealing and borrowing.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
8 FragenYes, legally it is.
Yes, it is common.
Stole.
Stee-ling.
Yes, it is a strong accusation.
Yes, like theft.
Yes, 'stealing time'.
Yes.
Teste dich selbst
He is ___ the apple.
Present continuous.
What is stealing?
Taking without permission.
Stealing is a legal activity.
It is illegal.
Word
Bedeutung
Idiom match.
Subject-verb-object.
Ergebnis: /5
Summary
Stealing is the dishonest act of taking what is not yours, which carries serious consequences.
- Stealing is taking without permission.
- It is a serious and illegal act.
- It can also be used figuratively.
- Always respect others' property.
Memory Palace
Imagine a thief in your house.
Native Speakers
Use it to describe serious acts.
Cultural Insight
It is a taboo subject.
Grammar Shortcut
Use 'stealing' for ongoing actions.
