pilfer
pilfer
Pronunciation
IPA for "pilfer": /ˈpɪlfə/ (pih-lfah)
pil (pih)
/p/: voiceless bilabial plosive (similar to the "p" in "pin")
/ɪ/: near-close near-front unrounded vowel (similar to the "i" in "bit")
fer (lfah)
/l/: voiced alveolar lateral approximant (similar to the "l" in "lip")
/f/: voiceless labiodental fricative (similar to the "f" in "fin")
/ə/: schwa (a mid central vowel sound)
Word Form Variations
The word "pilfer" has several variations depending on its function in a sentence. Here's a breakdown of its forms:
Base verb: pilfer (used for singular subjects, present tense)
Present participle: pilfering (used for ongoing action)
Past tense: pilfered (used for actions completed in the past)
Past participle: pilfered (also used for forming perfect tenses and passive voice)
Third-person singular present tense: pilfers (used for singular subjects, indicates habitual or ongoing action in the present)
There's no separate plural form for "pilfer" itself. If you want to talk about multiple acts of pilfering, you'd use the plural form in a noun phrase (e.g., "multiple pilferings") or a verb tense that implies plurality (e.g., "they pilfered cookies every day").
Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Verb:
Definition:
To steal small quantities of something, often repeatedly and in a sneaky way.
Synonyms:
Snatch, swipe, pinch, filch, purloin, crib (informal)
Antonyms:
Return, acquire legally, purchase
Noun (less common):
Definition:
An act of stealing something in a small quantity, often repeatedly.
Synonyms:
Petty theft, pilfering (used as a mass noun), pilferage
Antonyms:
Return, legal acquisition
Examples of Use
Literature:
Charles Dickens, Oliver Twist (1838):
"The young companions began to pilfer in the wretched little shops; to plunder and batter the houses of people who were wicked enough to board them; to strip stray people naked; to rob them of anything they possessed; and to smash windows whenever they felt like it." (This example showcases a group of impoverished children resorting to pilfering for survival.)
Newspapers:
The New York Times (2023):
"The guard caught the teenager pilfering candy bars from the checkout aisle." (This example highlights pilfering as a petty theft incident.)
Online Publications:
Consumer Reports (2022):
"Be wary of employees who might pilfer customer information for identity theft purposes." (This example uses "pilfer" in a digital context, suggesting stealing data in small bits.)
Entertainment Mediums:
The Office (TV Series, Season 5, Episode 1):
Dwight accuses Jim of pilfering his stapler, leading to a comedic running gag throughout the episode. (This example uses "pilfer" humorously in a workplace setting.)
Skyrim (Video Game):
Players have the option to pickpocket characters, essentially pilfering small items from their inventory. (This example shows pilfering as a gameplay mechanic.)
General Public Discourse:
Online forum discussion:
"I wouldn't trust leaving my lunch unattended in the break room; someone might pilfer my sandwich!" (This example reflects the everyday use of "pilfer" for petty theft concerns.)
10 Famous Quotes Using the term Pilfer
Unfortunately, "pilfer" isn't a common word used in famous quotes. The act of pilfering might be alluded to, but the word itself isn't frequently used. Here are some alternatives that capture similar ideas:
"Great things are done by a series of small things brought together." - Vincent van Gogh (This quote emphasises the potential impact of even small actions, which could include pilfering.)
"A single lie can erode a lifetime of trust." - Kenneth E. Beutler (This quote speaks to the corrosive nature of taking something, even a little bit, that doesn't belong to you.)
"Honesty is the best policy." - William Shakespeare (This proverb promotes honesty as the most reliable approach, contrasting with the dishonesty inherent in pilfering.)
"A thief thinks he is only stealing the other's belongings, but he is also stealing his own integrity." - Confucius (This quote highlights the moral consequences of stealing, even in small amounts.)
"Beware of small expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship." - Benjamin Franklin (This quote emphasises the potential for small actions, like pilfering, to have larger negative consequences.)
"Little strokes fell great oaks." - Benjamin Franklin (Similar to the previous quote, this proverb warns that even seemingly insignificant actions can have a big impact.)
"A river cuts through rock not because of its power but because of its persistence." - Jim Watkins (This quote suggests that repeated small actions, like pilfering, can have a cumulative effect.)
"Watch out for little expenses. A small leak will sink a great ship." - Aesop (Another version of the proverb highlighting the danger of seemingly small actions.)
"Constant dripping wears away a stone." - Ovid (Similar to the previous quote, this proverb emphasises the power of persistence, even in small actions.)
"You have to fight for what is right." - Malcolm X (This quote promotes taking a stand for what you believe in, contrasting with the secretive and dishonest nature of pilfering.)
Etymology
The word "pilfer" is like a thief itself! It comes from an Old French word "pelfre" which means "booty" or stolen goods, especially taken during war.
We don't exactly know where "pelfre" came from, but sometime in the mid-1500s, English speakers started using "pilfer" to describe stealing things, especially in small amounts and maybe a bit sneakily. So, while the origin might be about big war loot, the word "pilfer" itself has always been about taking small stuff on the sly.
Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Pilfer
"Pilfer" itself isn't very common in idioms or set phrases. However, due to its meaning, here are some idioms and phrases that capture a similar idea:
Pick someone's pocket: This directly refers to stealing small items from someone's person.
Help oneself (to something they shouldn't): This implies taking something without permission, potentially in a sneaky way.
Make off with something: This suggests stealing something and leaving quickly.
Not above pinching a penny: This idiom describes someone who is willing to steal even small amounts of money. (Pinching refers to taking something quickly.)
Like taking candy from a baby: This idiom implies something is very easy to steal. (While not ideal, it reflects the idea of taking something small and unguarded.)
On the fiddle: (British English) This refers to taking something that doesn't belong to you, often in a small or sneaky way.
Posts Related to Pilfer
Source Information
Definition of pilfer from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.