What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pilfer
Example
The employee was caught pilfering office supplies from the company. [pilfering: gerund or present participle]
Example
He was known to pilfer small amounts of money from his parents' wallets. [pilfer: verb]
steal
Example
The thief stole the jewelry from the store. [stole: past tense]
Example
She was accused of stealing money from her employer. [stealing: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Steal is more commonly used than pilfer in everyday language. Steal is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while pilfer is less common and is usually reserved for specific situations involving small or insignificant items.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between pilfer and steal?
Both pilfer and steal are considered formal words and are appropriate for use in formal writing or speech. However, steal is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while pilfer is less common and may sound overly formal in some situations.
