What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
embezzle
Example
The accountant was caught embezzling funds from the company. [embezzling: present participle]
Example
He was charged with embezzlement after it was discovered he had stolen money from the charity. [embezzlement: noun]
steal
Example
She stole a candy bar from the store. [stole: past tense]
Example
He was arrested for stealing a car. [stealing: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Steal is a more commonly used term in everyday language, while embezzle is less common and associated with white-collar crime.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between embezzle and steal?
Embezzle is a more formal term associated with legal and financial contexts, while steal is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
