What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
burglar
Example
The burglar broke into the house through the back door. [burglar: noun]
Example
She was caught red-handed while attempting to burgle the jewelry store. [burgle: verb]
thief
Example
The thief stole my wallet while I was distracted. [thief: noun]
Example
He was arrested for thieving from multiple stores in the area. [thieving: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Thief is more commonly used than burglar in everyday language. Thief is a versatile term that can be used in various contexts, while burglar is more specific and often associated with more serious criminal activity.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between burglar and thief?
While burglar is typically associated with a more formal tone due to its legal connotation, thief is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
