Learning how to express the concept of “stole” in different ways can be quite useful. Whether you want to communicate formally or have a casual conversation, having a range of expressions for “stole” at your disposal is handy. In this guide, you’ll explore various formal and informal ways to convey the idea of “stole.” We’ll also touch upon regional variations, although they may not be extensive. So, let’s dive in and discover different ways to say “stole”!
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Formal Ways to Say “Stole”
If you’re looking to express the act of stealing in a formal setting, there are several suitable terms. Here are some words and phrases to consider:
- Appropriated: This sophisticated term implies taking possession of something unlawfully or without permission. For example, “He appropriated the company’s funds.”
- Pilfered: Use this word when referring to the act of stealing something of little value or in small quantities, often discreetly. For instance, “The shop assistant pilfered money from the cash register.”
- Embezzled: This term denotes stealing funds entrusted to one’s care, particularly in a professional setting. For example, “The accountant embezzled a large sum of money.”
- Purloined: Similar to “appropriated,” this word implies stealing, usually something valuable or significant. For instance, “The thief purloined a priceless artifact from the museum.”
- Plagiarized: Use this term specifically when referring to intellectual property theft, such as copying someone’s work without giving proper credit. For example, “The student was caught plagiarizing a research paper.”
Informal Ways to Say “Stole”
When communicating in informal situations, using casual expressions for “stole” can make your conversations more engaging and relatable. Here are some informal alternatives to consider:
- Swiped: This term is often used when referring to taking something quickly or discreetly. For instance, “He swiped a bag of chips from the store.”
- Pinched: Use this word informally to mean stealing something, especially when it comes to small objects. For example, “She pinched a pen from her coworker’s desk.”
- Ripped off: This expression suggests being cheated or deceived, often in a financial sense. For instance, “The mechanic ripped off customers by overcharging for repairs.”
- Filched: Similar to “pinched,” this term conveys stealing something small or inconspicuous. For example, “He filched a cookie from the jar while no one was looking.”
- Jacked: This informal expression is commonly used to mean stealing something forcefully or aggressively. For instance, “His bike got jacked while he was at the store.”
Regional Variations
While the concept of stealing is universal, there are some regional variations in terms used to describe the act. Here are a few notable examples:
In the United Kingdom: The term “nick” is frequently used instead of “stole” in informal contexts. For example, “He nicked my wallet while I wasn’t looking.”
In Australia: In informal Australian English, the word “pinch” is commonly used to mean “stole.” For instance, “She pinched my headphones without asking.”
In South Africa: The Afrikaans word “steel” is often used interchangeably with “stole” in both formal and informal contexts. For example, “He steel stolen goods from the warehouse.”
Remember, regional variations can further enrich your linguistic skills, but they may not always be necessary, depending on your context of communication.
Now armed with an array of formal and informal expressions for “stole,” you can have captivating conversations, deliver engaging speeches, or write intriguing stories. Language is a beautiful tool, and by diversifying your vocabulary, you gain the ability to effectively communicate in various settings. So, go ahead and embrace these ways to say “stole,” and let your words shine!
