What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
housebreaker
Example
The police arrested the housebreaker who had been targeting homes in the neighborhood. [housebreaker: noun]
Example
The housebreaker used a crowbar to break open the window and gain entry. [housebreaker: noun]
thief
Example
The thief stole a purse from the woman's shopping cart while she was distracted. [thief: noun]
Example
He was caught stealing from the store and was charged with theft. [theft: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Thief is a more commonly used term than housebreaker in everyday language. Thief is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while housebreaker is less common and more specific to breaking into a house or building.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between housebreaker and thief?
Both housebreaker and thief are considered formal words and may be used in legal or official contexts. However, thief is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while housebreaker is less common and more specific to a particular type of crime.
